MOSCOW, February 4, Vasily Bogdanov. Russian skier Sergei Ustyugov will not compete in skiathlon at the Beijing Olympics because of the desire to save energy before the sprint, said the coach of the Russian national team Markus Kramer. Earlier, the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR), Elena Vyalbe, said that Alexander Bolshunov, Alexei Chervotkin, Denis Spitsov and Ustyugov would become participants in the skiathlon from the team. Kramer attributed Ustyugov's absence to the need to conserve energy before the sprint, as well as minor back problems. The 29-year-old athlete will be replaced by Artem Maltsev. «Sergey's main goal is the sprint race next Tuesday. We need him to show his best results in Beijing. After yesterday's intensive training, we decided not to compete in the skiathlon, as there are slight back problems, but there will be only one day of rest before the sprint,» Kramer said. The men's skiathlon at the Olympic Games will take place on February 6.
