Winner of the World Junior Short Track Speed Skating Championship Vladimir Balbekov said that there is more adrenaline in international competitions than in national competitions.
On Saturday, Balbekov won the 1,500m at the Russian Cup stage in St. Petersburg. The competition takes place on the ice rink of the Dynamo Winter Sports Academy.
— The preparations went as planned during the off-season, there were no problems. If there were organizational problems, everything was solved thanks to our big brains – our coach Alexander Ivanovich (Maksimov), the staff, the manager Artem. We are in Ufa all year round, because all conditions are created there and all our whims are fulfilled.
— How did the first stage in Kolomna go?
— It’s not that I made predictions based on the results of the first stage, I just really wanted to return to competition. It turned out to be more of a calibration exercise, I arrived at the next training camp, and my head began to work differently, I began to seriously think about technical and tactical issues. I’m running the second stage not as a tune-up, but as a competition where I practice my mistakes.
— How did the fight go at 1500 m?
“The most important thing was to have time to breathe; there was little time because of the organization. I took off my skates, wiped them and didn’t have time to sharpen them before the next race. Every lap was hard, you had to give everything.
— Do you know this arena?
“It’s not like I have an advantage over her.” We are in Ufa all year round, this ice is unusual for me – the quality of the ice is different everywhere, weather conditions also affect the number of people who come to the stands.
— By the way, how is dating going?
— There are enough spectators to make it a pleasure to play. Thank you all for your support, we are trying to make it interesting for the audience.
— Are you going to run all the stages of the Russian Cup?
— We listen to what the schedule coach says. He believes that if you skip a step, you get a long break. We have to run, compete, keep our heads constantly active, and that’s why we run every stage.
— Do you think you are managing to maintain your level and your speed, despite the lack of international starts?
— Our competition is high, all the guys are strong. But it is clear that there is no adrenaline like at the World Cup, where several Olympic champions and world champions stand next to you. This is why our races to the quarter-finals are easier. But already in the decisive stages everyone is fighting for the highest places,” Balbekov told .
Source : MatchTV
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