Coach of the Russian national cross-country team Yuri Borodavko told that Veronika Stepanova posed a danger to Natalia Nepryaeva in the skiathlon at the Russian Cup stadium in Syktyvkar, but today the winner of the World Cup is stronger.
Nepryaeva at the sixth stage of the Russian Cup in Syktyvkar won three races, including a 15 km skiathlon. Second place on Sunday was taken by Veronika Stepanova, 5.4 seconds behind, with Ekaterina Smirnova completing the top three (+25.1).
– The Syktyvkar stage took place at a very good level of preparation, at a very good level of track. Fortunately, no excess occurred. The athletes showed a good fight, it was interesting to watch her. What is the classic cut, when nine people fit in 18 seconds, and the second, third and fourth place – in one. It is worthy of respect.
The leaders – Bolshunov and Nepryaeva – confirmed their class. The fight was mainly for second and third place. At the same time, in the skiathlon, Stepanova managed to impose a fight on Nepryaeva. Natalya saw that she could not escape, she slowed down a bit. I decided to leave everything for the sprint dismount on the last climb.
Veronica might understand. Until the last ascent, they walked together. Stepanova was a danger to Nepryaeva as she was strong at the finish line. You can also remember the Olympics, when Veronica showed great finishing. She has good sprint qualities. However, today Natalia is stronger.
Moreover, the battle was for third place, where in a rather difficult struggle Smirnova overtook Prokofiev. So it’s good that there is competition. But I want the density to be higher in the future,” Wartko told .
– Do you suppose he will grow in the future, because the rest of the girls will reach the two leaders?
Yes, there is such a possibility. At this stage, there was no Maria Istomina, Elizabeth Pantrina. They would also completely decorate the fight, the competition would be even higher. We know their potential, we believe in it.
Source : MatchTV
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