Control Training Wins

At the end of last week, the Russian national cross-country skiing team arrived in Oberstdorf, Germany and began preparations for the World Championship, which starts on February 24.

The first lesson was held by the national team on Thursday, and at the weekend it took part in control trainings: on Saturday - in the classic sprint, and on Sunday - in skating "dressing".

In women, the best result in the second event was shown by Tatyana Sorina (19: 16.0), who was ahead of the Frenchwoman Delphine Claudel (19: 37.5) and compatriot Maria Istomin (19: 52.3).

Artyom Maltsev finished in men with the first time (26: 23.3).

The training turned out to be very difficult, and many even fell on steep descents.

In particular, three Russians could not stand on their feet at once: Denis Spitsov, Sergei Ardashev and Sergei Ustyugov.

And if the first two then continued the race, the last one was forced to retire.

According to the coach of the national national team, Sergei Turyshev, the two-time world champion received bruises, but nothing threatens his participation in the championship of the planet.

“He lost his ski, Sergei received a slight injury to his shoulder, a slight sprain.

But it's okay, we continue to prepare further.

He did not continue the race so that there would be no complications.

At the hotel he was examined by a doctor.

On Sunday, Ustyugov will miss the second lesson, and on Monday he will go to train on a par with everyone else.

Spitsov has a small abrasion, Ardashev broke his lip.

These are working moments, there is nothing serious ”, - quotes the words of the R-Sport specialist.

As for the leader of the Russian national team, Alexander Bolshunov, he has already arrived in Oberstdorf, but did not take part in control trainings.

The two-time World Cup winner continues to prepare for the main individual tournament of the year.

Nepryaeva's readiness for the first race

To the delight of the fans, Natalya Nepryaeva, who suffered a complex hand fracture at the end of January, is completely ready for the World Cup.

The skier will not only be able to take part in certain types of the program, but is ready to start in the very first race.

“Natasha is already training with two sticks, everyone is optimistic, I hope she will start participating in the tournament from the first race.

Nepryaeva forced preparations, such a situation, and what to do.

I think this will make her angry too.

Natasha this year was not in the first positions, I understand that this also "killed" her, she drew some conclusions.

Well, plus a stupid fall with such consequences, "- said the president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR) Elena Vyalbe.

She also shared information about the state of Ustyugov.

According to the functionary, Evgeny should focus on short distances at the championship and not waste his energy on long distances.

“I think he and Marcus Kramer should speed up the preparation for the world championship.

He needs to concentrate on the sprint, Sergei has the opportunity to get on the "tag", the relay race and the team sprint, "- said Vyalbe in an interview with RBC.

Also, the head of the FLGR spoke out quite harshly about the behavior of the athlete.

She emphasized that despite his rather solid age by the standards of professional sports, he still often lacks discipline, and therefore Ustyugov needs to be kicked sometimes.

“He understands this very well.

But a person's character is very difficult to change.

Sergei just needs to always keep himself under control.

There are many things that I think should be avoided at his age, ”added Vyalbe.

Organizers' sanctions against the national team

The less time remains before the start of the tournament, the more problems associated with the WADA sanctions the Russian team faces in Oberstdorf.

So, on the weekend it became known that the organizers of the tournament covered the cars of the national team with a tarpaulin.

This was done in order to close the national symbols.

At the same time, on some cars it was simply sealed with black tape.

But the sanctions did not affect the training ammunition of domestic skiers before the official start of the championship of the planet.

While they continue to train in their own uniforms in the colors of the Russian flag.

“Now there are no problems, since the official ban is valid only for the period of the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

Therefore, our athletes are currently training in the old equipment, although some skiers have already received a new, neutral one, ”said Turyshev.

Tightening coronavirus testing

Meanwhile, the organizers, according to Norwegian media reports, have tightened the coronavirus testing protocol for all tournament participants, including coaches, service personnel and journalists.

In addition to taking PCR tests every six days, they will have to be tested for antibodies every other day.

It is reported that the authorities in the Bavaria region have taken this measure to reduce the risk of the spread of new strains of COVID-19.

In case of passing a positive test, the person will be immediately quarantined.

Excessively warm weather will be another problem for skiers.

According to Wälbe, the temperature in Oberstdorf will remain around 15 degrees and will not drop below zero even at night, and frosts are not expected.

In turn, the coach of the Russian national team Turyshev expressed concern that the organizers, in the current conditions, will have to sprinkle the track with saltpeter.

“The weather here is not winter at all, today the sun was shining all day, which melted the snow a lot.

Because of this, the track has become quite soft, so I do not exclude that the organizers will decide to use saltpeter.

Today it was plus ten in the afternoon, and no cold snap is expected, ”the specialist complained.