Alexander Bolshunov won the skiathlon at the Russian Cup stage in Kazan, improving during the race and deciding everything in the skating stage of the distance. The three-time Olympic champion covered 20 km (10 km classic + 10 km freestyle) in 46.51.7 and finished alone, without a nervous ending and unnecessary questions.

Ilya Semikov came second, losing 17.2 seconds to the winner. Third place went to Ivan Yakimushkin (+17.2). Anton Timashov, Danila Karpasyuk, Nikita Rodionov, Sergei Volkov and Daniil Muraleev stopped a step away from the podium – the density of results outside the top three was maximum.

Classic – no sudden movements

The first half of the race passed without forcing. At the early cutoffs, Alexey Chervotkin took the initiative – he was in the lead at 1.9 km, and then regained first position at the 5.2 km mark. Andrei Melnichenko and Bolshunov stayed nearby, who preferred not to waste extra energy and calmly controlled the situation from the group of leaders.

At 6.6 km Andrey Alipkin took the lead, Chervotkin remained second, and Egor Rudy managed to pass Bolshunov and rise to third place. However, this arrangement did not last long: the group gathered again, Chervotkin continued to lead the peloton, and Bolshunov returned to second position.

Alexander Bolshunov / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Maxim Bogodvid

Before changing skis, Semikov took the lead. He was followed by Yermil Vokuev, Bolshunov was in third place – everything looked as tight as possible and without a clear favorite.

The ridge part is the moment of truth

Immediately after switching to freestyle, Semikov tried to increase the pace and pulled away by about four seconds. This breakthrough became a signal for the group – the backlog was quickly eliminated. And then began what many were waiting for.

Bolshunov added more and went forward. First, the gap grew to 16 seconds, then to 26. There were no attempts to reduce the gap: the leader calmly kept the pace and looked the freshest at the distance.

Bolshunov walked to the finish line in splendid isolation. Behind them, the fight for second place was in full swing – Semikov and Yakimushkin decided the fate of silver and bronze in a tight group. The photo finish was in favor of Semikov, Yakimushkin remained third.

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“The form is gained step by step”

Senior coach of the Russian national team Yuri Borodavko noted that the victory in Kazan is a logical step on Bolshunov’s path to optimal condition.

– Everyone saw everything. If at the first race there were 16 seconds, now he absolutely left no chance for anyone. Those assumptions that he will gradually gain shape are coming true. I would like to wish him strength, health, patience and tranquility. The old Bolshunov still needs work, we wish him to reach the level of which he is capable,” Borodavko told Match TV.

Alexander Bolshunov / Photo: © RIA Novosti / Maxim Bogodvid

World Championship bronze medalist Sergei Kryanin paid attention not so much to the result, but to how Bolshunov looked on the track.

— Sasha has overcome his illnesses and is gaining momentum. And, judging by his technique and movement tactics, he is reaching optimal condition, although there is still room for improvement. I enjoy watching how he accelerates, what technique he uses, what correct and clear push-offs he makes. All this comes so easily to him that I myself wanted to go out on the ski track, I think many people have such a desire. Bolshunov has become calmer and does not pay attention to auxiliary things. In any case, you get maximum pleasure when you win. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Olympic Games or the city championship, the main thing is that you are first. And Sasha has now begun to enjoy himself,” Kryanin told Match TV.

The skiathlon in Kazan showed that Bolshunov feels more and more confident as the season progresses and again begins to decide the fate of the races at the moment when it is really needed.

Watch live broadcasts of the competition on the television channels of the Match! holding, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.