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Bolshunov participated in the last half of the joint 15km classic start at Val Müstair in solo majesty, eventually winning 23.5 seconds ahead of local hopeful Dario Cologna. With that, he also leads the Tour de Ski in total with a full minute after two stages.
But there were other Russians involved in the great drama on stage. Those who fought for the seats behind Bolshunov.
– The three Russians go out in turn! It’s the worst I’ve ever seen, exclaimed NRK commentator Jann Post when he saw what happened on the curve at the foot of the descent into the stadium.
Discussed on the way
Yevgeny Belov arrived first, but chose the outside swing. Then Aelxej Chervotkin saw his court to turn in on the compatriot. Belov responded by cutting Chervotkin’s skis.
Thus, they both fell to the ground. Belov also lost a ski.
– Bolshunov is going to the finish line right now, but the three Russians who were going to fight for a podium, brought each other down, Jann Post said.
– They are arguing! They can’t drive that close, said NRK expert commentator Torgeir Bjørn.
A third Russian, Ivan Yakimushkin, was also prevented. He kept his composure and finished in third place.
ON THE CARPET: The Russians came in squad to the jury to explain themselves.
Photo: Morten Stenberg / NRK
Floppy disk
When Belov and Chervotkin reached the finish line, the atmosphere was still very broad. Chervotkin hit the post and flailed against Belov. Belov tried to calm him down.
The two belong to different training groups and have different coaches in the Russian team.
After the race, Chervotkin was ruled out by the jury. As it is a stage race, in practice it means a time penalty of three minutes.
– It is not necessary for two companions to ruin each other, even if they go for their own team, says Torgeir Bjørn, who, however, finds it difficult to judge who was to blame for the fall.
Swede Oskar Svensson came right behind the Russians and is surprised by what he saw.
– I didn’t see what happened, but they were arguing with each other on the shift when I arrived. I was very surprised. They just stood up and fought each other, and that’s all that matters here, so I don’t understand what they were doing, he tells NRK.
Russian coach: – Very angry
Markus Cramer is Yevgeny Belov’s coach. After being with the jury, he says:
– The jury showed the athletes what happened. Chervotkin explained and said he was sorry it was his fault, but what can he do at high speed, says Cramer.
He is also upset that the athletes were standing and arguing on the track.
– It’s not good to do it that way. They have to go to the finish line first and then argue and argue afterward. But they were both surprised. When they lie in the snow, they understand what happened. It was not good, says the technician.
– What does your broker Belov say?
– Belov is very angry. He’s waiting for an apology. If you get it, that’s fine. Chervotkin understands it was his fault and I hope he apologizes, says Cramer.
