Russian town of Rybinsk is ready to host four FIS Cross-Country World Cup events the coming weekend. After the free technique sprint in Moscow it is not time for distance competitions to take place.
Since 2007, Rybinsk is fixed in the World Cup calendar every year. The city 320 km north-east of Mocow is a great host and do their best carry out a wonderful World Cup weekend for our Cross- Country skiers. "Currently it is a bit cold here in Rybinsk but tomorrow we should be able to start the competition as the predictions are to have around – 18 C during the competition time," FIS Cross-Country Race Director Jürg Capol said to www.fiscroscountry.com
Central Europe as well as Moscow and Rybinsk have been been struck be cold temperatures droping to -20°C. Due to the cold weather, Dario Cologna and the entire Swedish men's team decided to skip Rybinsk. Peter Northug had not planned to come to Rybinsk as well Lukas Bauer who was two weeks in the high altitude and takes part in the Czech Championships this weekend in Nove Mesto.
Russian team will be reinforced by the national group quota. Alexander Legkov, Ilya Chernousov, Maxim Vylegzhanin and Co. are looking forward to show off in front of the home audience. “I was now a couple of days for training in Toblach after Otepää, “ said Ilia Chernousov, last year’s skiathlon winner. “I’m ready for the race here in Rybinsk and I like the course. You need to ski tomorrow tactically good to win the race.”
On the ladies side, Kristin Steira was withdrawn from the competition by the Norwegian Ski Association. Current Overall World Cup Leader Justina Kowalczyk and Marit Bjoergen will be at the start of 10 km Free Mass Start. In total there will be 60 men and 53 ladies at the start line. “I like Rybinsk, it is a nice place and I have also not so big problems with the cold conditions, “said Justyna Kowalczyk. “It is good when it is cold as then the snow is slow and that is an advantage for me.”
Bonus Sprints
During the ladies race there will be one bonus sprint at 6.0 km, which is in the third lap. On the men's side there will be two bonus sprints. First at 6.0 km (3rd lap) and the second one at 11 km (5th lap).
Bonus seconds will be distributed among 10 skiers. The winner of the bonus sprint gets 15 points and 10th skier will be awarded 1 point.
Start Lists
