Russia (bbabo.net), - World Champion Alexander Bolshunov took second place in the 15 km classic cut at the first stage of the Tour de Ski race, which takes place in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
Finn Iivo Niskanen won the race with a score of 34 minutes 51.7 seconds. Bolshunov was 19.3 seconds behind. The third place was taken by the Norwegian Paul Golberg (25.2 seconds back). Another Norwegian skier Johannes Klebo (+34.3), who won the sprint the day before, finished fourth. There are two more Russians in the top ten: Ivan Yakimushkin (fifth, +34.6) and Denis Spitsov (seventh, +55.7).
Bolshunov's podium allowed him to return to the top 3 in the overall standings of the World Cup. The winner of the Big Crystal Globe and winner of the "Tour de Ski" last season started this one not so well due to health problems. So Klebo was able to break away: he has 581 points, the Frenchman Richard Jouvet - 343, Bolshunov - 342.
- At the moment, you need to show a good result in every race. I was very upset, in the sprint, where there are really very big bonifications, and I was eliminated in the quarterfinals, ”Bolshunov said on Match TV. - But as the cut showed, I already feel pretty good. I need to look for my shape and well-being, now everything is not going as smoothly as usual.
Russia also has a medal in the women's cut. “Bronze” was won by Natalya Nepryaeva, 30.5 seconds behind the winner of the Finnish woman Kerttu Niskanen (27.04.0). The second finish went to Ebba Andersson of Sweden (+18.2 lag).
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