Quadruple world champion in cross-country skiing, Norwegian Emil Iversen said he hoped for the return of Russian athletes to international competitions.
Russians and Belarusians have been suspended from competitions under the auspices of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) since March 2022 due to the situation in Ukraine.
“Obviously it’s probably hard for them to motivate themselves. I think it is [отстранение] will have a very negative impact on them. They have been virtually our only competitors in recent years, so it is understandable that racing and ski racing as a product is suffering. Hopefully they can come back,” Nettavisen quoted Iversen as saying.
Olympic team sprint champion Erik Valnes backed his compatriot, stressing that the Russians will be competitive on their return.
— I am sure that after being admitted to international tournaments, the Russians will quickly regain their level. If Alexander Bolshunov takes part in the World Cup in two years, he will be competitive, but if it takes longer and he has to move on to a new generation, then everything can change,” Valnes said.
Russian three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov won the 10 km freestyle time trial at a competition in Vershina Teya (Khakassia) on Sunday, covering the 10 km distance in 21 minutes 49 seconds.
Source : MatchTV
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