Smart Mountain will not go - he will run. For Sergei Ustyugova, to be the first at the top of the Alpe de Chermis meant not only to win the prestigious multi-day "Tour de Ski", and not only get 100 more than thousands of prizes in Swiss francs, but also to prove to everyone that the Russians can win and without doping. He proved.
The January Ustyugov surprised and even stolen not only those who follow the ski races of infeit. Surprised rivals, experts, domestic specialists - all who were well aware of the possibilities of a talented, but for a long time did not reveal all their capabilities of Siberian. Yes, there were victories in the Junior and youth championships of the world, there was a fifth place at the Olympics in Sochi, there was a bronze medal in the relay on the adult world championship, and the third place in the overall standings at the Tour de Ski last year. But now he did something that she could not even make superstars in the face of Petter Northuga, Dario Colonmen and Martin Sundbu.
24-year-old native of Mezhdurechensky (this is the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District)
won five stages of the "Tour de Ski" in a row, starting from the first. So it does not happen, so can not be under any circumstances
- Different distances, different styles and venues. For 11 years of presence in the sports world, the pearls of the ski season were a considerable number of universal, capable of equal to the specialists of the sprint, remoters and masters of "classics".
This is the "tour de ski" - the supermaraphon of eight (this season is from seven) races, following each other, as in cycling. With watery trials, with all their exclusivity, it is possible to compare the ski tour, but the "tour de ski" is not easier. It requires a combination of a variety of qualities and skills, horsepower, and the ability to recover in the shortest possible time. The failure at one distance is not filled with anything, it will not work out, just pass the "tour" from beginning to the end - already evidence of belonging to elite.
Ustyugov potentially to the elite belonged not to the first year, but for quite a long time remained in the shadow and strong Russian sprint cohorts, and powerful remote drivers led by Alexander Lungov. Sergei Ustyugova Ivan Bragin, the first coach of Sergei Ustyugova says that under 15 years old his pupils generally chose between skiing and biathlon, and the first success achieved exactly as a sprinter. In the Olympic Sochi Ustyugov was the shadow favorite of the sprint, and only a hurt fall in the final deprived of his Olympic award. And last season, he was already considered one of the most promising station wagons, which also proved the "bronze" on the "Tour de Ski".
Today, the present alignment sharply adjusted the consequences of the second part of the report of the Richard McLaren Commission.
Immediately before the start of the "Tour de Ski", the International Federation of Skiing was removed from the competition for an indefinite term of the leaders of the Russian national team - the Olympic champion and winner of the "Tour de Ski" 2013 Alexander Lekova, as well as Maxim, Allegary and Yevgeny Belov. In addition to Ustyugov, there was no one to compete with the favorites, and he was still on the eve of the start he said that he would try to win.
The spikeness of the situation was added that, in the group of the German specialist Marcus Kramer, Sergei Ustyugov moved only to the current autumn. Cramer for several years unofficially led to the preparation of Alexander Lekova, with the light hand of which the German was now officially started working with the Russian national team. But for two or three months not just a jerk, but just still rebirth even a talented rider, could not even a wizard. Apparently, the hour of Ustyugova has come as a result of many years of hard work, and Marcus Kramer managed to give her a cut and shine.
It all started with the pre-New Year victorious sprint in the Swiss Val Musheir. In the same place, Ustyugov won 10-kilometer mass start by classics, and in him the dual winner of the Tour de Ski, Martin Jonsgrud Sundbu, was clung to the dead grip, happily avoided long-term disqualification for violation of anti-doping rules. In German Oberstdorf in the following two races, the fate of the current multi-day was essentially solved, and it was Sundbew twice tried to move Ustyugov twice from a leadership position.
Even Marcus Kramer was sure that the Norwegian at some point would succeed. In Skiathlon at a 20-kilometer distance, Sundbe lost only 0.6 seconds, in the race of the persecution, the Russian until the latter felt behind the breath of the main rival, but in the end "brought" the one was half a minute. And already in the Italian Tolbach, Sergei Ustyugov made it all the sports world at all, winning an individual race for 10 km with a free style, and the fifth in a row winning the record "Tour de Ski", which will not be breaking soon. The advantage over the second prize-winner, French Maurice Mauriima amounted to only 0.4 seconds. It is lucky who is lucky, and Ustyugov exactly drove and led this, maybe the most difficult race for him. However, there are no light steps on the "tour de ski".
I gave Ustyugov only one stage, the penultimate - in the Italian Val di Fyhem. But what does "gave"? He finished second after Martin Sundbu, gives way to anything and falling after the finish without his strength. Leave the advantage Critical for the pursuers helped the leader two Russians - Andrei Larkov and Alexander Immortal, who were not allowed to run away Neither Martin Sundbu, nor the three-time winner of the "Tour de Ski" Dario Colonne.
Both Sundbu, and colony - "Mountain Kings", if this title is applicable to ski. Although the three-kilometer lifting at the Alps de-Chermis is suitable, and to play 72 seconds from the former Ustyugov, a redhead norwegian, probably could. But this time if Sundbu and remained hopes, only before the start of the decisive lift: the leader albeit on the autopilot, but still leaving the absolute victory. Later Ustyugov will say that his condition at that moment was like not to convey words. Sundbu and ten seconds did not play.
It was if not great, then a very big victory. It is even difficult to compare with something. It will undoubtedly call questions and even doubts about what the future winner said during the race: "Everyone believes that if you are Russian and ride well, then you" pumped up. " This is not true!".
The head of the International Federation of Ski Sports, Gianfranco Casper, said that his organization had no complaints about Sergey Ustyugov. And Thank you. Must be in the middle of this doping and anti-doping muta at least some kind of tranquility islands ...
As for that, not too early Ustyugov rushed, and until the world championship in Lahti was far away, then he rushed when it was necessary. And we will not make anything to make anything. Not the moment.
Why "Tour de Ski" - the main tournament of the winter season
8 races in 10 days, a chance for victory for the luggage, ski climbing and the most generous prizes - the site about what is "Tour de Ski" and why it is worth seeing
Tour de France for skiers
The ski multi-day "Tour de Ski" is not stretched for three weeks, like cyclists, but 8 starts in 10 days, and in the mountains it is also a superload. And if you count on a high final place, none of them fail. In the overall event, the time spent on each distance: a large loss in just one race can make even victories with a meager margin in the previous ones. In such energy-proceedings, it is especially important to be able to properly use the rest time. So, the two-time Olympic champion 2010 Peter Northug travels to the "Tour de Ski" in a specially equipped two-story bus. It has everything you need to rest after the race and during moving from stage to the stage - from a comfortable bed to PlayStation. But Alexander Light believes that the "Wheel House" is not the most convenient option for the "Tour de Ski". On the bulky motor vehicle, it is difficult to move on serpentine roads, much faster - get to the hotel on a regular car and relax there.
This time, the participants of the Tura will have three crossings: from Swiss Lenzerheide to German Oberstdorf, from there - in Italian Toshch, and then another 124 km to Val Di Fiemme, where the many days will finish the tradition.
Due to the lack of snow in German Oberstdorf, the schedule of the second stage had to shake a little - moved a day before the sprint race, and Skiathlon (the race with two styles, with a ski change - mochchtv.ru) was replaced by the mass startup. The final program looks like this: 2 sprints (free and classic style), 3 mass start (classic, 10/15 km - women / men), 2 races of persecution (free style, 5 and 9 km) and a racing with a separate start (free Style, 5/10 km). Only those who passed all previous races will be allowed to the final distance.
Real chance for victory for AlexanderEasy
From the moment of his heroic victory in the marathon at the Olympics in Sochi, Alexander is not won anything. Last season disappeared due to diseases and shifts of the training group. The current Alexander began without brilliance, but confidently and evenly - the 10th in the overall standings of the World Cup. Even the leader of the Norwegian season Martin Sundbu in one of the interviews noted that it was easy to finally finished celebrating his Sochi victory and scored a form. At the start of the "Tour de Ski-2016", Alexander Light is one of the main favorites. He is the best "miner" in the world. He won on the "round" in 2013 - then he did not interfere with no 15 seconds of the fine for the wrong rebuilding in the penultimate race, nor a random violation of the route during the final lift to Mount Alpe Chermis. Fortunately, the fans returned the easiest to the right way. And, in addition, this year "Tour de Ski" is the main start of the season for skiers. Neither the Olympics or the World Championship, for which you can score on everything else, there is no in the schedule.
Successful Ski Competition Format for TV and Sponsors
The idea of \u200b\u200b"Tour de Ski" arose 10 years ago with a comic dispute, which from skiers is stronger - sprinters or remote activists. So invented the tournament, which should define the most universal skier. But it is much more important that at the beginning of zero skiing was needed a new, more attractive for viewers and sponsors of the competition format to get the attention of television passioned by biathlon. The experiment was successful. Every year about 20 thousand fans comes to each round of the tour, and in 2015 the teleadutium of the multi-day amounted to 70 million people. The new product liked the sponsors. To the first partners "Tour de Ski" Viessmann and Craft Sportswear joined Audi, Helvetia, Le Gruyeere and Polar.
The highest prizes in winter sports
Minus hockey, of course. The commercial success "Tour de Ski" allows the organizers to prescribe high prize. For a won race, it is not paid too much - 2700 euros (for comparison, in biathlon - 13 thousand), it is possible to get 93 thousand (in biathlon - 28, in the "Tour of Four Springs" - 20) for a victory in the overall standings. In addition, in the "Tour de Ski", like the cyclists on the "Tour de France", there is a separate sprint offset, the winner of which will become richer by 5,500 euros.
Ski climbing
Business card "Tour de Ski" - the final race in Val di Fiemma. Skiers start the time shown in previous races, that is, they catch up with the leader - and who is the first at the finish, he won the tour. The main attraction of a distance of 9 km is the rise of the mountain Alpe Chermis. The resistance of the slope, which boils the skiers, in some areas it comes to 29%. The height of heights from the start to the finish is 400 meters (890-1290 m above sea level), and the pulse of athletes makes a jump from 137 beats per minute in the first half of the race to 180-190 beats on the final cut in 500 meters. On the last two kilometers, when the bias reaches 29%, even very strong skiers are on foot, there is no strength to rent. So, it is the rise in Alpe Crymis prevents Great Northgua to fulfill his dream and become the winner of the "tour". He passed "from and to" all 9 tournaments, won the most of all races (13), was six times at the final podium, but can not become a champion. On the eve of Tura 2016, he joked that it would be a favorite if on the last day it would be necessary to descend from Alpe Cammis, and not climbing her. Northug believes that the problem is in his weight. 83 kg - too much for such a steep mountain. But Norwegez can do nothing with it. In one of the interview, Peter nodded on genetics: how many crackers and bananas he eaten, it would not be possible to lose weight. The only chance for Northoga is to create a maximum big handicap in front of the final race. In order not to catch up.
Ability to defeat Norwegians in ski racing
Norwegez Martin Sundbu won all remote races of the World Cup of this season. In the relay in one of the first stages, the first three places were taken by three national teams of Norway. In the top five of the overall office of the World Cup in women - 4 Norwegians. This is a summary of Norwegian hegemony in the 2015/16 season. The main favorites of the current "tour" from bookmakers is also from Norway. Teresa Yohaug and Martin Sundbu. However, the Norwegian has become "Norwegian" only in the last two years: two victories in sunchu among men and one yohaug and Marit Bjorgen - among women. Before that, men were defeated by the Swiss Column (three times), Czech Bauer (twice), German Angerer and Russian are easy; Women became the champion's Swedish skiers Calla, Wirpie Kuytunien from Finland (twice) and Justina Kovalchik from Poland (4 victories).
Live broadcasts "Tour de Ski" on "Match TV":
17.50 - Male and Female Sprint, Free Style
14.55 - Mass start, women, 15 km, classic style
16.55 - Mass Start, Men, 30 km, Classic Style
13.40 - Pursuit Race, Men, 5 km, Free Style
15.30 - Pursuit, Women, 5 km, Free Style
16.00 - mass start, women, 10 km, classic style
15.00 - Race with separate start, women, 5 km, free style
17.40 - Pursuit Race, Men, 9 km, Free Style
Text: Igor Osipov
Photo: globallookpress.com.
With the main task of Ustyugov coped
Sergey Ustyugov It became on this "tour de ski" the king is not only on the ski shop, but also in the media. Absolutely, a glamorous Russian responds to all questions of journalists sincerely, with a follower and for the word in his pocket does not climb. So, after his fifth in a row Victory on the eve Ustyugov said: "Know: I am Russian and I run" clean ". And Ustyugov doubted his own victory in the final competition" Tour ", noting that it was possible, it was reasonable for the example of Norwegian Sundbu Do not win the skate "cutting", and to have the pointer for the mass start. Considering that in the end, at the start of Sundesta's Surba racing, Ustyugov lost in the overall standings for more than one and a half minutes, the Norwegian was difficult to suspect into some tactical tricks.
Whatever it was, but mass start the classics seemed even a heavier test for UstyugovaThan the upcoming lift to the mountain on the Alps de Smes. It was the last chance for Russian competitors to try to cut a gigantic gap and make it played for one race. Played Norwegian team led by Sundbu From the start, it was predictable to pull the string and try to break the group. The active assistance of the Norwegians rendered the third Swiss and magnificent "miner" by Canadian.
Ustyugov initially held in the shade and seemed slightly tired. He deliberately ignored the struggle for intermediate finishes, which was absolutely true: it makes sense to twitch because of 15 bonus seconds, putting a threat to the final time, there was no one. It's nice that the dense group in the race was held not only by Norwegians led by Sundbu, but also the Russians. And as if on the rope followed Ustyugov, periodically leaving parallel skiers. True, taking into account the magnificent form of our leader, it is still unknown who as a result helped more: Sergey traded his teammates to the fifth and eighth places, or vice versa.
Closer to the middle of the race Ustyugov I decided to go ahead. At this point it became clear that the Norwegian attempt to create a gap fell. The Russians' movements were stretched, the fatigue through them, but with all this Ustyugov was faster than everyone in Peloton. Only on the final circle Sundbu Still, it was possible to create a clearance, but it is clear that at such a distance it was already unrealistic to count on a significant gap. As a result, Norwegian won his first victory in the current "tour", ahead Ustyugova 2.2 seconds. Sergey in the finish twine pulled out second place, also for the first time all over the many days giving way to anyone.
And let the historical series of five victories interrupted, Ustyugov Sin complain about the result. With its main task - do not give Sundbu Approach to the final race - the Russian has coped.
Ustyugov has more than a reserve in front of Sunda
So on Sunday Ustyugov It starts upside down on Alps de Smes with an advantage over Sundbu in 1 minute 11 seconds. This is more than a weighty gap, although theoretically reciprocated. The mountain is one of the strongest races for a compact hardy Norwegian and an extremely heavy test for a powerful tall Russian. Nevertheless, Ustyugova can not be called a bad "miner."
So, a year ago, taking the final third place in the "Tour", Ustyugov by pure time on the Alps de Smes gave way Sundbu 19 seconds. The fastest time at the stage showed Finn - he won Ustyugova 42 seconds. By the way, Heikinen and this time starts relatively close to the leaders - the fourth, in two and a half minutes from Ustyugov.
Actually, in these figures, all the answers to the main questions of Sunday are lied. Really Lie Sundbu Way out Ustyugova For more than a minute in the final rise? Theoretically, yes, the Norwegian is able to get closer at least. But in order to miss such a significant gap, Ustyugov should drive noticeably below their own capabilities. Whether the Russians have left the forces after six of the most severe races, where he never fell below the second place, now, probably, he does not even know himself.
Val di Fiemma (Italy). "Tour de Ski".Men. 6th stage. Mass start, 15 km (k).
1. Sundbu (Norway) - 40.40.0. 2. Ustyugov - a lag 2.2. 3. Heikkinen (Finland) - 2.8. 4. De Fabiani (Italy) - 3.2. 5. Stalls - 3.3. 6. Duraheug (Norway) - 3.5 ... 8. Immortal - 3.8 ... 24. Sedov - 1.07.9. 25. Vokuyev - 1.10.2 ... 28. Melnichenko - 1.13.3.
Common offset. 1. Ustyugov - 2: 54.20.2. 2. Sundbu - lag 1.11.9. 3. Colony (Switzerland) - 2.04.1. 4. Hayikkinen - 2.32.9. 5. Manifices (France) - 2.34.6. 6. Harvey (Canada) - 2.42.5. 7. Helner (Sweden) - 2.54.5. 8. Kruger (Norway) - 3.51.3. 9. Duraheug - 4.36.6. 10. De Fabiani (Italy) - 4.36.9.
Val Mustair. Switzerland
Stage 1. Sprint, Free Style
As in the past year, the tour dek will begin not from the prologue (a short distance race with a separate start), but from the skate sprint. For the first time in Val Mustare, in the homeland of the brothers Column, where the Tour de Ski will be held for the third time, not one, but two stages.In qualifications, a seeded group of athletes, determined by the current situation in the World Cup, will start the first. Athletes will be located in the reverse order. The order of the start for the remaining participants will be determined by their sprint FIS-Points.
Prizes seconds: The first 30 riders will receive prizes. Winner - 60, 2nd place - 56, etc.
Translation schedule:
Sprint, free style, men, women.
Final samples
Eurosport 23:45, match! Arena (16:45) (straight)
Step 2: 5 km Women / 10 km Men, Mass Start, Classic Style
The leader of the overall standings of the multi-day after the stage will start first and will receive a starting T-shirt with the number 1. The remaining riders will also receive a starting position and the number in accordance with their position in the overall standings of the multi-day after the stage I.
Prizes seconds:
Translation schedule:
Men, 10 km, Classic Style, Mass Start
Eurosport 14:45 (straight), Mattvtva (14:55) (Direct)
Women, 5 km, Classic Style, Mass Start
Eurosport 18:00 (Direct), Mattvy (18:25) (Direct)
Oberstdorf. Germany
Stage 3: Skiathlon, 5 + 5 km Women / 10 + 10 km Men
The leader of the overall standings of the multi-day after two stages will start first and will receive a starting T-shirt with the number 1. The remaining riders will also receive the starting position and the number in accordance with their position in the overall standings of the multi-day after two stages.
Prizes seconds: At the distance there will be one intermediate finish in women and two in men. The prizes in the amount of 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 will receive the first ten riders that have passed the intermediate cutoff. In addition, 15.10 and 5 prizes will receive the first three on the finish of the race.
Translation schedule:
Men, 10 + 10 km, Skiathlon
Eurosport 19:15, Mattvtva (17:10) (Direct)
Stage 4: 10 km Women / 15 km Men, Persecution, Free Style
Starting numbers will be issued in accordance with the position of the riders in the overall standings of many days after three stages. The athletes will start with the leader of the leader, equal to their lagging in the overall touration of the tour. In order to avoid too large starting intervals, the competition jury may decide on the "wave start".
Prizes seconds: 15.10 and 5 prize seconds will receive the first three on the finish of the race.
Translation schedule:
Women, 10 km, Free Style, Pursuit Race
Eurosport 13:15 (straight), Mattvtva (13:25) (Direct)
Men, 15 km, Free Style, Pursuit Race
Eurosport 14:15 (straight), Matches (14:40) (Direct)
Tobla. Italy
Stage 5. 5 km Women / 10 km Men, Separate Start, Free Style
The first will start 30 best riders after the Red Group in the reverse order relative to their remote fis-point. A red group (15 of the best after four stages) starts next, the riders can choose their starting number in it. The top 15 athletes after the first group will start between the sown riders. The remaining riders will start in the last group in line with their remote fis-point.
Prizes seconds: 15.10 and 5 prize seconds will receive a winner, silver and bronze racing winners.
Translation schedule:
Women, 5 km, Free Style, Pursuit Race
Eurosport 14:30 (Direct), Matches (15:00) (Direct)
Val di Fiemme. Italy
Stage 6. 10 km Women / 15 km Men, Mass Start, Classic Style
The leader of the overall standings of the multi-day after five stages will start first and will receive a starting T-shirt with the number 1. The remaining riders will also receive a starting position and the number in accordance with their position in the overall standings of many days after six stages.
Prizes seconds: At the distance there will be one intermediate finish in women and two in men. The prizes in the amount of 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 will receive the first ten riders that have passed the intermediate cutoff. In addition, 15.10 and 5 prizes will receive the first three on the finish of the race.
Translation schedule:
Women, 10 km, Classic Style, Mass Start
Eurosport 18:15, Matches (18:15)
Men, 15 km, classic style, mass start
Eurosport 17:15 (straight), Mattvtva (17:25) (Direct)
Stage 7: Lifting on the Alpe Cammy - 9 km of women / 9 km men, persecution, free style
Starting numbers will be issued in accordance with the position of the riders in the overall standings of many days after seven stages. The athletes will start with the leader of the leader, equal to their lagging in the overall touration of the tour. To avoid too much lags, the jury may decide on the use of the "wave start".Prizes seconds: At the final stage of the multi-day prize seconds are not provided
Translation schedule:
Women, 9 km, Free Style, Pursuit Race
Eurosport 13:30 (Direct), Mattvtva (13:25) (Direct)
Men, 9 km, Free Style, Pursuit Racing
Eurosport 17:15 (straight), MATTVETS (17:30) (Direct)
"Tour de Ski" - 2018 ended with Swiss victories Dario Column and Norwegians Heidi Geng.. The best of Russians became Alexander Bolunov and Anastasia Sedova. And where, who won the brilliant victory in the past many days? His name remained in the starting protocol, but the best skier of Russia did not come out.
Without strength. How Ustyugov scored bonuses and lost the "tour de ski"
Huge speed from the start, won intermediate cut-off and lag at 43 seconds - so Ustyugov spent the classic mass start.
Spina Ustyugova. Time to worry?
Several falls in the mass start on the track in Oberstdorf, abandoned from infinite rain, did not pass without a trace for Ustyugova. He even in front of the classic mass start in Val di Fiemme complained about back pain, and during the race a little aggravated the situation. Risk health when ahead of the Olympiad (IOC is likely to invite Ustyugova), it would be wrong.
Ustyugov starred from "Tour de Ski"
No one risked. Senior coach of the Russian national team Marcus Kramer After consulting the FLGR president Elena Vyglbe And, of course, Ustyugov himself decided not to put Sergey on the last race. It happened only three hours before the start of the hellish lift on the Alpe de Chermis.
Is it worth worrying for our main hope in ski racing? Probably not. If everything was completely serious, Ustyugov would surely completed the struggle on the "Tour de Ski" after the very "Padoch" race in Germany. The fact that Sergey avoided the hardest lift, in these circumstances is even good. No chance of first place in this there was no slightest point.
Finish Bolunova. Almost like in Athens
Fans with experience, probably, remember the finish of Russian walker Denis Nizhegorodova At a distance of 50 km at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He recalculate the finish line in an unconscious state, practically not distinguished roads. Nizhegorodov then conquered a silver medal.
Alexander Bolunov Finished on the "Tour de Ski" in the same state. For a kilometer to the finish, he kept in a group of four skiers who were struggled for second place. And then it simply "covered". Bolunov The last 100 m of the race was literally on foot, and the red feature in the snow barely crossed. And fell absolutely without power.
Yuri Borodavko, Coach Bolnunov, before the start of Tour de Ski, said that his ward is ready to fight for a prize in the overall test. Alexander probably will achieve this on the following many days. In the meantime, he can simply be imprinted for the fact that he completed his first tour of the sixth.
As with all the rest, who finished. In the top ten of ours drove Alexey Chervotkin and Andrei Larkov, but Denis Sitsov showed the second move after Maurice Manica, If you take a net time. Well done guys. At the Olympics on you all huge hope. In general, I will test the seventh place. Before the final race "Tour de Ski", she said that the place in the top ten would be an excellent result. And the seventh place is very cool. Sedov is purposefully preparing for the Olympics. She will catch its chances at the Konkov "cutting" and in the classic marathon.
11th place in the overall test took Natalia Nepseeva, one more young skier who spends the best season in his career.