Bottom in chaos: the Russians are returning home, while the Norge team (including Klaebo) are all positive

Tomorrow the sprints of Drammen, without the cup leader hit by Covid like the veterans from the Lahti races. For Bolshunov and his teammates, the World Cup is over. The Azzurri squad for the distance races of Oslo-Holmenkollen.

Tuesday 1 March 2022 3 minutes reading time

The Cross-Country Skiing World Cup risks ending without all its big names at the start of the last stages, starting with the classic sprints scheduled for Thursday in Drammen. At least as regards the male sector, given that it is news this morning, issued by the home federation, the positivity of the athletes of the Norge team returning from the Lahti races. Starting with Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, launched towards the crystal ball but stopped by Covid like teammates Erik Valnes, Pal Golberg, Sindre Bjoernstad Skar and Havard Taugboel. "All the sprinters tested positive for Coronavirus - reads the federal note - Now we are working to better understand the situation and if this could have consequences for other athletes who participated in the Lahti stage last weekend". While waiting for the FIS, hitherto silent on the issue, to take a decision on the matter while the various organizers had already expressed an opinion against their participation, the Russian national team decided to renounce the last stages of the World Cup, given the situation emerged with the decision of the government led by Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. Homecoming for Alexander Bolshunov & Co., hoping to return to normal starting next season. In the meantime, the FISI has issued the summons of the blue team for the race weekend which includes the distance races (30 km for women on Saturday, 50 for men on Sunday) in Oslo-Holmenkollen on 5-6 March. Ten athletes chosen by the dt Alfred Stauder, with Anna Comarella, Martina Di Centa, Cristina Pittin and Martina Bellini for the women's test, while among the men there will be Federico Pellegrino, Francesco De Fabiani, Giandomenico Salvadori, Paolo Ventura, Dietmar Noeckler and Simone Daprà.

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