Senior coach of the Russian cross-country ski team Yuri Borodavko told that there are factors that do not yet allow three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov to reach his peak.
On Tuesday, Denis Spitsov won the individual freestyle race at the first stage of the Russian Cup in Vershina Toya. Alexander Bolshunov took second place and Artem Maltsev third. For Bolshunov, this place in the top 3 was the first of the season.
— As I said before, it is now the start of the season and it is very difficult to assess the condition of all the athletes. Everyone arrived in a different state, now they are gradually getting back into shape. Every time they start, the guys will win.
I am especially happy for Denis Spitsov, since this is his first victory at the stages of the Russian Cup in individual races. He hasn’t won in a very long time. Therefore, I would like such successes to become a good tradition and this victory to instill strength and confidence in him for future starts.
— The entire podium was occupied by skiers from your group. How satisfied are you?
— They gave me a nice birthday present. It’s very nice. Happy for all the athletes. I’m happy that Alexander Bolshunov is fighting. He has already reached the top positions and is fighting for victory. This gives us some optimism for the future, that one or two more steps and it will return to its previous state.
I am also happy for Artem Maltsev. We always expected results from him in skating races. He also fought for victory and was in the lead for a long time. But I couldn’t stand it a little, because I’m still not in the shape I would like to see permanently. Hopefully all the guys will catch up soon.
— You talked about illnesses that prevented Bolshunov from getting in shape. Is he coming to his senses now?
— We constantly discuss his condition with Sasha, during every race. We see limiting factors which do not yet allow him to reach the peak of his form. Therefore, in such cases it is necessary to decide in which direction to go in the training work, how to carry out the preparation itself, so that it brings him the maximum benefit, so that he returns to his previous state. The podium in this race means we see the problem, we are aware of the problem and we know how to solve it. It’s good that all our words and conclusions are confirmed by the result,” Borodavko told .
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Source : MatchTV
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