The victory of Alexander Bolshunov at the key fourth stage of the Ski Tour - a multi-day race like the Tour de Ski - caused real hysteria in the ranks of the Norwegian national team. The Russian skier was first suspected that during the race from the general start, he ran after a snowmobile with a cameraman, thus securing himself an unfair advantage, and then completely accused the driver of a bribe.
On Thursday, as part of the Ski Tour, a race was to be held between the Swedish village of Storlien and the Norwegian town of Meroker, during which participants would cross the border of the two countries. Due to the weather, the race had to be completely transferred to Norway and its format changed - skiers had to run 17 kilometers from the stadium uphill and return back. In cases where the route does not go in a circle, but in a straight line, athletes are usually filmed for television with the help of snowmobile operators, one of whom rides right in front of the participants.
For the leader of the World Cup, Bolshunov, the race began unsuccessfully. At the 15th kilometer, he broke a stick, and then for a long time he had to run with a short inventory of Denis Spitsov. Then Bolshunov completely fell on the track, losing a few more precious seconds. Fortunately, the Norwegians ignored both failures of the Russian and did not try to use them, so when Bolshunov came to his senses, he began to build up an advantage over his rivals and ultimately won by a margin of 51 seconds. In fact, he secured himself another multi-day title for the season and practically guaranteed a victory in the World Cup.
Accustomed to winning any ski race themselves, the Norwegians were shocked by what was happening and tried to find an explanation for the defeat that Bolshunov had inflicted on them. And the answer was found. Simen Hegstad Krueger said that the Russian took advantage of the fact that he followed the snowmobile with a television camera that covered the skier from the wind.
“Perhaps the snowmobile moved too close to it for a while. And at that time there was a terribly strong side wind. If the snowmobile moves next to the skier, this is not very good. We discussed this situation. If the snowmobile went close to it, then this indicates the driver’s lack of professionalism. He needed to understand the direction of the wind and realize that the flow was from a snowmobile, not a skier. The driver must understand all this so as not to affect the result. At the same time, I’m angry with myself because I couldn’t impose a fight on Bolshunov, ”the Norwegian“ Championship ”quotes Dagbladet.
Kruger himself recently became the hero of the scandal when he fell in front of Bolshunov and did not allow him to break into the final of the sprint at the previous stage of the Ski Tour. Because of this, the Russian lost a chance to compete for the medal, and Paul Golberg, who was ahead of him in the overall standings of the multi-day race, increased the reserve to 23 seconds. In response to the allegations of deliberate "elimination" of Bolshunov, Kruger only stated that everything happened by chance.
Another Norwegian skier Emil Iversen not only supported the version of the snowmobile, but even suggested that the Russian national team bribed a driver to help Bolshunov save his energy in the course.
“Russia could pay the snowmobile driver. The Russians believe that we paid Krueger to flunk Bolshunov. Now we suspect that Russia paid the driver. But first, I need to watch footage from the broadcast. If this is so, I will be surprised, ”the two-time world champion most likely said in jest.
Bolshunov rejected all charges of unfair struggle. He stated that he had barely seen the ill-fated snowmobile and did not move after him intentionally.
“I don’t remember that I followed the snowmobile. There was a very strong wind and poor visibility. I could not control the snowmobile. I don’t think I had an advantage. If Krueger and Iversen are sure that I had an advantage, then they will stand their ground. But this is just nonsense. The opponents could catch up with me, but failed to do it, ”the Russian replied.
However, not all Norwegians liked the theory of a snowmobile. Bolshunova was supported by Finn Hogen Krog, who said that this vehicle could not affect the course of the race.
"Hard to tell. On one of the turns, the snowmobile drove very close to me, because of this, snow flew into my face. I do not think it is comfortable. When the snowmobile was nearby, I waved for the driver to drive off. At least I do not think that having a snowmobile nearby gives a huge advantage. One thing is obvious: Bolshunov won because he was the best, ”said the skier.
For cyclic sports, reflections are characteristic that sometimes athletes go on tricks and take advantage of foreign moving objects or pacemakers. This mainly happens in road cycling, where the athletes are accompanied by “technicals” (special vehicles to accompany and provide technical assistance during the races. - RT ) and can, in theory, “give a ride” to someone. Cross-country skiing rarely faces such a problem, as less and less participants compete in areas that are inaccessible to stationary television cameras. But even when in the past the organizers had to produce snowmobiles for the shooting, the race winner did not receive accusations of unfair fighting. At least, the Norwegians did not express such suspicions against their compatriot Theresa Johaug, who won the women's mass start on the same day.