President of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR), three-time Olympic champion Elena Vyalbe on air, expressed hope that the 41st All-Russian Mass Race “Ski Track of Russia” would help attract more people to skiing.
“Ski Track of Russia” traditionally takes place every second Saturday of February. This is a mass event, the participants of which can be both professionals and amateur athletes.
– The popularization of sports is done by names. Now we have a good bench of the greatest athletes, eight new Olympic champions. For me, any mass departure first and foremost attracts people,” Vyalbe said.
Silver medalist at the Vancouver Olympics Alexander Panjinsky believes that in the context of the end of the coronavirus pandemic, there is additional interest in the Russian ski slope and a healthy lifestyle.
– There was a coronavirus pandemic, many people stayed at home, but then they seriously thought about strengthening their immunity and adopting a healthy lifestyle, that they should take more care of themselves. Skiing, one of the most rewarding winter activities, generated extraordinary interest.
The class and level of these competitions are increasing. Amateur athletes, perhaps for the first time coming to the competition, feel the holiday atmosphere. They understand that skiing is cool, interesting and exciting,” Panzhinsky said.
correspondent Dmitry Zanin said that at the Russian ski slope, amateur athletes have the opportunity to race on the same track with eminent athletes. For example, with a three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov.
– Just imagine that a person skis, watches how Alexander Bolshunov wins his Olympic medals, and then goes to the “ski slope of Russia”. And somewhere in the distance he sees the back of Alexander Bolshunov. Isn’t it the joy of running on the same track with an outstanding athlete?
Athletes have a face, a name and surname have appeared – they have become recognizable, they are well known. And we can distinguish Sergei Ustyugov from Alexander Bolshunov, Artem Maltsev from Ivan Yakimushkin, and this is the great merit of the channel,” Zanin said.
Olympic figure skating champion Yekaterina Bobrova admitted that she had competed on the Russian ski slope several times and advised Russians to follow her example.
– Friends, on February 11, the “Ski Track of Russia” begins. I have participated in these competitions several times and I invite you. See you soon! said Bobrova.
Olympic champion Yevgeny Dementiev said that he would organize a ski race as part of the “Ski Tracks of Russia” in his native region.
— When we organized one of the first “Russian ski slopes” in Khanty-Mansiysk, we took it along the river. Then the magnitude was felt, it was great. This year I will also participate at my home in Khanty-Mansiysk. A very cool event, on this day there are more skiers than ever. Come to this wonderful event,” Dementiev said.
The winner of the World Cup stages Anastasia Dotsenko reminded that it is possible to participate in the “Ski Track of Russia” in different regions of the country.
– I have participated in the “Ski Track of Russia” several times. Almost always won when she ran. I participated in the Samara region, in the Republic of Tatarstan … If possible, I always participated where I was. It is a great event for amateurs and professionals. I invite everyone to visit this event. Everyone should come and participate, and maybe someone should compete for prizes,” Dotsenko said.
Alexei Kondarantsev, head of Moscow’s sports department, said the capital will become one of Russia’s central ski resorts.
— Moscow is no exception and will become one of the central locations of Russian ski slopes. I am happy to invite all Muscovites and guests of the capital to participate in this massive ski race, – said Kondarantsev.
Biathlon World Championships medalist Olga Podchufarova admitted she was pleased with the number of people in Russia who regularly take part in ski races.
— The popularization of skiing and a healthy lifestyle in our country is gaining momentum. Lots of people come to the start. It is good to see that many people are doing sports for themselves and for their health,” said Podchufarova.
On Saturday, February 11, will broadcast the 41st All-Russian Mass Race Ski Track of Russia 2023 live, the start of the 5-hour broadcast is scheduled for 7:45 Moscow time.
correspondents will report from over 20 cities, four live TV shows are planned using the PTS channel. More than 380,000 people are expected for this event.
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Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
