The German Markus Cramer was the coach of the Russian national cross-country team from 2015 to 2022. Today he is the coach of the Italian national team, but he still sympathizes with the Russian skiers who are banned from international competition.

- The Russian runners were at a very high level.

With Bolshunov, but also many who came from behind.

It is a very strong team.

I hope we get to see them very soon, but it doesn't seem like it.

I am of course sad about this situation because I worked there for so long, he says to Norwegian VG.

He also believes that the uncertainty surrounding when the Russian skaters can return to the international competitions affects them a lot.

- When the goal is to get to the next WC or Olympics to fight for gold, but you don't know if it will be possible.

Then you start thinking a lot and the motivation drops a lot in some people, he says.

The Russian cross-country skiers, like many other athletes, are banned from international competition due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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