Skier Vokuev: “The victory was more about oneself than about an opponent”

Skier Ermil Vokuev told that he had to take risks in the classic-style time trial at the Alfa-Bank Russian Championship, so he considers his first place more of a victory over himself rather than against Alexander Bolshunov .

On Tuesday, Vokuev took first place in the classic time trial with a time of 23 minutes 50 seconds. Saveliy Korostelev finished second (+15.7), third Alexey Chervotkin (+16.3). Alexander Bolshunov is ninth (+45.4). Before that, the athlete won 23 consecutive starts.

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—During the race, did you already understand that you had to win gold?

– Not like we’re taking it away. They told me I was in the lead and expected to be in the top three. And when I got into the locker room, I saw on my phone that the guys were losing. Korostelev lost three seconds, but over the last 2.5 km he lost even more. There was joy then, but now the emotions have subsided.

— Was the moment of victory over Bolshunov important or not?

— The victory was more about myself than my opponent, because I made risky moves – hit or miss. Today it turned out that I won. And the joy is even greater because I won with my moves and didn’t beat anyone.

— So you are not flattered to be called “the winner of Bolshunov” for a long time?

“I am the winner of the whole race, not just Bolshunov’s.” More than 70 people started, not just Bolshunov and me.

— You are known as a marathon runner. Did I understand correctly that 10 kilometers is not even close to the maximum distance for you?

— The classics have always worked well for me. I’m not new to this sport. Everyone who knows skiing knows this,” Vokuev told .

The Russian Championship takes place in Malinovka from March 16 to 24. On Wednesday, March 20, the tournament will feature team sprint races in the classic style. Watch the live broadcast from 09:35 (Moscow time) on and Match! Arena”, as well as the sites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.