Alexander Bolshunov's lead in the overall world cup will decrease, because the Russian star will not go to this weekend's world cup race in Ulricehamn.

The 24-year-old will save energy for the WC in Oberstdorf.

- It does not matter much if he misses a World Cup weekend.

He does not have much time until the World Cup.

He needs to improve his sprint, become faster and stronger, says the former cross-country skier Alexander Legkov who is now an expert.

No Bolshunov in Ulricehamn, then Gleb Retivych and Sergei Ustiugov will be the only Russian men to start in the sprint and team sprint.

Looking great

The World Cup in Ulricehamn is the penultimate competition before the World Cup.

It is unclear whether Russia's squad will do as Finland's and Norway's, and is in charge of the genre rope in Nove Mesto.

Bolshunov, who won two distance races in Falun but went out in the sprint qualifiers after a fall, leads the overall World Cup with 839 points down to second and compatriot Ivan Yakimushkin.

In the sprint cup, the total is third, 70 points behind the Italian Federico Pellegrino.

The World Cup in Oberstdorf, Germany, will be decided between February 23 and March 7.