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The group of Wolfgang Pichler relocated to Andalusia, Spain

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:34:24 +0400

The group of Wolfgang Pichler arrived to the training camp in Spanish Andalusia. Before that the team was training in Tyumen. The first training session in Spain is scheduled for May 21. There are five biathletes training under a supervision of Wolfgang Pichler and Pavel Rostovtsev: Olga Zaitseva, Ekaterina Glazyrina, Ekaterina Shumilova, Svetlana Sleptsova, and Yana Romanova. The training camp in Spain will last until the May 31st.

Vladimir Korolkevich: “Our group starts the second part of the training camp”

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:31:11 +0400

The coach of the Russian biathlon women’s team Vladimir Korolkevich commented on the training camp of his group in Belokurikha, and shared the plans for the second part of the training camp, which will take place in Novosibirsk:

“Our training camp consists of two parts. The first part was introductory. During these 12 days, we solved all the tasks we had. Each sportsman had her own program of rehabilitation, taking into account her conditions. The programs included massage, therapy, special bathes, and so on.

In Novosibirsk we start the special part of the training camp. First of all we will work on shooting and roller skiing. We will have 10 training days and 18 training sessions,” commented Korolkevich.

The group of Olga Vilukhina, Ekaterina Iourieva, Irina Starykh, Olga Podchufarova, Valentina Nazarova, Anastasia Zagoruiko, and Marin Korovina arrived to Novosibirsk on Sunday, May 19.

The Russian biathlon fan union celebrated its 8th birthday

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:20:56 +0400

The Russian biathlon fan union celebrated its 8^th birthday.

The celebration took place in Moscow region. Three-time Olympic champion, member of the RBU Executive board Anfisa Reztsova became the honored guest of the event.

The Russian Biathlon Union, sportsmen, coaches and the teams’ resonnel congratulate the Russian biathlon fan union with its Birthday! We wish you to have many new memebers of your team and to have a lot of reasons to be happy next season!

Biathletes of the Russian team Alexander Loginov and Maxim Tsvetkov took the oath of enlistment on Poklonnaya Hill

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:00:40 +0400

On Sunday, May 19, Alexander Loginov, Maxim Tsvetkov and Ilya Popov took the oath of enlistment in a special subdivision of the Russia armed forces - sports squads.

The event took place in the Hall of Fame in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War on the Poklonnaya Hill.

Four sports squads will be created, which will consist of roughly 400 people with dislocations in Moscow, St.Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don and Samara. The sportsmen - candidates to the Russian Olympic team - have right to serve in these squads.

The group of Wolfgang Pichler started training in Tyumen

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:37:09 +0400

The group of Wolfgang Pichler and Pavel Rostovtsev arrived to Tyumen. From May 13 the team, consisting of Olga Zaitseva, Ekaterina Glazyrina, Ekaterina Shumilova, Svelana Sleptsova and Yana Romanoa, will train in Tyumen, and after that will relocate to Spanish Andalusia.

"We have already arrived to Tyumen, the location of our first training camp," comments Wolfgang Pichler. "Before this camp the girls trained for a week at home. In Tyumen we will start training at the great stadium - here we have the best conditions for training. On May 20, we will travel to Spanish Andalusia and have running, cycling, roller skiing and power trainings there. Many teams have their training camps in Andalusia - this is a well-known place for summer training. We will stay there until end of the May.

We start training with five sportsmen: Olga Zaitseva, Ekaterina Glazyrina, Ekaterina Shumilova, Svetlana Sleptsova and Yana Romanova. I also wanted to train Ekaterina Yurlova, but she refused to work in my group. However, Yana Romanova, who had an unfortunate season because of the illness is very motivated now. I think she will be a good addition to our group. I do not care how many sportsmen will be in my group - five or six - I only care about quality and motivation.

We have also discussed the option and Ivan Tcherezov would train in our group. He also has a great motivation. He is able to strengthen our group. This off-season we will have four joint training camps with the men's team, that is why it would be comfortable for Ivan to train with us. I know that he got the proposal, however, it is his decision to make."

The schedule of international biathlon competitions in the season 2013/2014

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:54:58 +0400

The Internationa Biathlon Union published the calendar of the biathlon competitions in the season 2013/2014. The Olympic Games in Sochi will take place on February 7-23. The World cup will start on November 22 in Ostersund, Sweden, and will finish on March 23 in Holmenkollen, Norway.

The IBU cup is scheduled between November 22, 2013 and March 16, 2014. The European championship will take place from January 27 until February 4, 2014 in Nove Mesto. The junior world championship will take place in Presque Isle (USA) on February 26 - March 7, 2014.

The Olympic Games

Sochi (Russia) - 7–23.02.2014

World cup

1. Ostersund (Sweden) - 22.11–01.12.2013

2. Hochfilzen (Austria) - 3–08.12.2013

3. Annecy (France) - 9–15.12.2013

4. Oberhof (Germany) - 1–05.01.2014

5. Ruhpolding (Germany) - 6–12.01.2014

6. Anholz-Anterselva (Italy) - 13–19.01.2014

7. Pokljuka (Slovenia) - 3–09.03.2014

8. Kontiolakhti (Finland) - 10–16.03.2014

9. Holmenkollen (Norway) - 17–23.03.2014

European championship

Nove Mesto (Chezch Republic) - 27.01–04.02.2014

IBU cuo

1. Idre (Sweden) - 22–24.11.2013

2. Geilo (Norway) - 26–30.11.2013

3. Obertilliach (Austria) - 11–15.12.2013

4. Forni Avoltri (Italy) - 3–05.01.2014

5. Ridnaun (Italy) - 8–12.01.2014

6. Altenberg (Germany) - 16–18.01.2014

7. Osrblie (Slovakia) - 7–09.02.2014

8. Martell (Italy) - 12–16.03.2014

Junior world championship

Presque Isle (USA) - 26.02–07.03.2014

The group of Korolkevich starts its training camp on May 7 in Belokurikha

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:41:59 +0400

The Russian women's team will start its first training camp on May 7 in Belokurikha. Seven sportsmen will train under a supervision of Vladimir Korolkevich and Sergey Efimov in Altaiskiy krai until May 19. After that the team will relocate to Novosibirsk and will train there until May 30. The head coach of the team Alexander Selifonov will present at the training camp. The group of Wolfgang Pichler and Pavel Rostovtsev will start training on May 13 in Tyumen, and after that will move to Spain for a second part of the camp.

Coaching staff and the sportsmen of the youth and junior teams

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:31:50 +0400

The Russian Biathlon Union confirmed the coaching staff and the team compositions of the youth and junior squads.

Alexander Kasperovich is appointed as a head coach of reserve.

Sergey Bashkirov became a head coach of the men's youth team (under 27), Alexander Degtyarev (shooting coach) and Alexey Trusov (physical training coach) will assist him.

Nikolay Savinov was appointed as a head coach of the women's youth team. Andrey Padin will work with the team as a functional training.

Maxim Ikhsanov headed the men's junior team (under 21), he will work with Alexander Suslov (shooting coach) and Alexey Antipov (physical training coach).

Ilgiz Samigullov is a head coach of the women's junior team. Pavel Maximov (shooting coach) and Evgeny Pankov (physical training coach) were also included to the coaching staff.

Youth team (men): Timofey Lapshin, Maxim Burtasov, Dmitry Dyuzhev, Sergey Korastylev, Anton Babikov, Vyacheslav Akimov, Alexander Chernyshov, Timur Makhambetov, Peter Pashchenko, Ilya Popov.

Youth team (women): Anna Nikulina, Anastasia Kalina, Daria Virolainen, Galina Nechkasova, Uliana Kaisheva, Anna Shchebina, Anna Suraeva, Olga Galich, Kristina Smirnova, Svetlana Perminova.

Junior team (men): Yuriy Shopin, Alexander Nazarov, Ival Alekhin, Eduard Latypov, Ivan Galushkin, Alexander Povarnitsyn, Maxim Bagrashov, Alexander Novoselov, Alexander Petrov, Viktor Plitsev.

Junior team (women): Anastasia Pashkova, Evgenia Pavlova, Anastasia Evsyunina, Viktoria Slivko, Svetlana Mironova, Elena Chirkova, Tamara Voronina, Maria Ivanova, Polina Efremova, Anastasia Tolmacheva, Svetlana Lunina.

"The first training camp will take place from May 14 till June 2 in Kislovodsk. Last year we tested this place and it suits us. This is a sport base of the Sports Ministry, it has a good stadium, gym with all required equipment. We invited more sportsmen to the first camp. After this training camp we will decide what the team's composition will be," commented the head coach of reserve Alexander Kasperovich.

He also commented on the appointment of Alexey Trusov for the position of physical training coach: "As for our young coach Alexey Trusov, we talk a lot about continuity, and all our coaches have already experienced this. Trusov will play an important role in the team - sparring with sportsmen and improvement of the functional training."

The Russian men’s and women’s teams compositions for the Olympic season are determined

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:01:05 +0400

The Executive Board of the Russian Biathlon Union confirmed the men’s and women’s teams compositions for the Olympic season.

Men’s team

Nikolay Lopukhov – head coach, Sergey Konovalov and Pval Lantsov – coaches.

10 sportsmen are included to the men’s team: Dmitry Malyshko, Anton Shipulin, Evgeny Ustyugov, Evgeny Garanichev, Alexey Volkov, Andrey Makoveev, Alexey Slepov, Alexander Loginov, Maxim Tsvetkov, and Alexander Pexhenkin. Another 5 sportsmen – Ivan Tcherezov, Sergey Klyachin, Maxim Chudov, Maxim Maximov and Timofey Lapshin – are included to the reserve team and will work according to individual program.

“The selection criteria to the team included the RBU rating and the results of the junior world championships. Malyshko, Shipulin, Ustyugov, Garanichev, Volkov, Makoveev and Slepov were selected according to their positions in the rating. Loginov and Tsvetkov are our promising young sportsmen. They had great results at the junior world championship. Pechenkin was included to the team according to the coaching staff’s decision. He is a talented sportsman with a great skiing technique.

We are talking with Ivan Tcherezov regarding his individual training program. Klyachin, Chudov, Maximov and Lapshin will train in their regions with the plans made by the coaching staff of the national team. All the sportsmen of the reserve will compete with the national team at the testing starts, which will take place this off-season,” commented the head coach of the men’s team Nikolay Lopukhov.

The men’ team will start the first training camp on May 17 in Tchaikovsky.

Women’s team

Alexander Selifonov is heading the women’s national team, which will be split into two groups. The group which will train with the methodic of Vladimir Korolkevich and Sergey Efimov consists of Olga Vilukhina, Irina Starykh, Valentina Nazarova, Ekaterina Iourieva, Marin Korovina, Olga Podchufarova, and Anastasia Zagoruiko.

Olga Zaitseva, Ekaterina Glazyrina, Ekaterina Shumilova, and Svetlana Sleptsova will train with Wolfgang Pichler and Pavel Rostovtsev.

The reserve team consists of Ekaterina Yurlova, Natalia Sorokina, Yana Romanova, Anna Bulygina, and Uliana Denisova.

“All the sportsmen except for Podchufarova and Sleptsova made it to the team according to the RBU rating. Podchufarova was included to the team due to her high results at the junior world championship. Coaches also decided to invite Sleptsova. As for the groups, it was a common decision of the sportsmen, their personal coaches and the coaching staff of the national team.

The reserve sportsmen – Yurlova, Sorokina, Romanova, Bulygina, and Denisova – will train individually, but with the methodical support of the head coach of the team. All these sportsmen will be invited to the testing starts in the off-season,” commented the head coach of the women’s team Alexander Selifonov.

The group of Korolkevich and Efimov will start their first training camp on May 8 in Belokurikha, after that the team will train in Novosibirsk.

The group of Pichler and Rostovtsev will start training in Tyumen on May 13.

The extended Russian team’s composition for the Olympic season is approved

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:49:33 +0400

The coaching staff of the Russian team approved the extended women’s and men’s team compositions. 12 sportsmen were included to the candidates’ list in every team.

The men’s team (coaches - Nikolay Lopukhov, Sergey Konovalov and Pavel Lantsov): Anton Shipuiln, Dmitry Malyshko, Evgeny Ustyugov, Evgeny Garanichev, Alexey Volkov, Andrey Makoveev, Alexey Slepov, Ivan Tcherezov, Alexander Loginov, Maxim Tsvetkov, Alexander Pechenkin, Sergey Klyachin.

The women’s team (coaches – Alexander Selifonov, Wolfgang Pichler, Pavel Rostovtsev, Vladimir Korolkevich and Sergey Efimov): Olga Zaitseva, Olga Vilukhina, Ekaterina Glazyrina, Ekaterina Shumilova, Ekaterina Yurlova, Ekaterina Iourieva, Anastasia Zagoruiko, Irina Starykh, Valentina Nazarova, Marina Korovina, Olga Podchufarova, Svetlana Sleptsova.

The extended team’s composition is submitted for the RBU Executive Board approval. The Board should approve the lists of the sportsmen, who will train with the team in the Olympic season, before April 30.

“As soon as the Executive Board approves the lists, we will come to an agreement with the Sports ministry. After that the coaching staff will make a decision regarding the division of the women’s team,” comments the vice-president of the RBU for sports Viktor Maigurov. “Several days ago, the coaching staff had productive meetings with the personal coaches of the sportsmen. The women’s team will work with two different methodologies – part of the team will continue working with Wolfgang Pichler and Pavel Rostovtsev, another part will train under a supervision of Vladimir Korolkevich and Sergey Efimov. Of course, we will take into account the opinion of the sportsmen and their personal coaches. Our main task is to use the resource that we have to the maximum and achieve good results in Sochi.”

Vladimir Korolkevich is included to the coaching staff of the women's team

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:25:24 +0400

Honored coach of the USSR Vladimir Korolkevich is included to the coaching staff of the Russian women's team. The contract with the famous specialist, who worked with the Ukrainian and Slovenian teams, is signed for one year. Last year, Korolkevich worked with the Ukrainian team, which won five medals at the World championship 2013 in Nove Mesto.

"Korolkevich is well known in our country - as far as I am concerned, this is not the first time he gets an invitation from the Russian team. However, his personal circumstances did not let him to accept a proposal. This time he was unengaged and told us he was ready to work with the team," commented the head coach of the Russian women's team Alexander Selifonov. "With such a strong coach we are ready to realize the idea of two training groups in one team."

Four specialists will work under a supervision of Alexander Selifonov in the coaching staff of the women's team: Wolfgang Pichler, Pavel Rostovtsev, Vladimir Korolkevich and Sergey Efimov.

Vladimir Korolkevich

Was born in 1952. Honored coach of the USSR and Belorussian SSR. In 1990 left USSR for Slovenia. In 1996 got a Slovenian citizenship. He worked with the biathlon and skiing teams of Slovenia for many years. Korolkevich worked with Vesna Fabian, Tadeja Brankovic, brothers Matjaz and Joze Poklukar, Tomas Globocnik.

Korolkevich worked with the Ukrainian biathlon men's team in the season 2006/2007. He could join the Russian team before the season 2009/2010, but refused to do so because of his health conditions. In 2010, he worked with Ekaterina Iourieva as a personal coach.

Last season Korolkevich strengthened the Ukrainian women's team. Many Ukrainian biathletes mentioned, that his work played an important role in success of the team last season.

Valery Polkovsky appointed as an adviser of the RBU president Mikhail Prokhorov

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:05:00 +0400

The famous Russian specialist and honored coach of Russia Valery Polkhovsky is appointed as an adviser of the RBU President Mikhail Prokhorov. This decision was made according to recommendations of the Coaching council to include Polkhovsky to the managing team. Valery Polkhovsky will participate in forming of the coaching staff and the national team, will give his expert opinion of the coaching plans, and will supervise the special projects before the Olympics in Sochi. Valery Polkhovsky will work as an adviser in the season 2013-2014.

Valery Polkhovsky

Was born on August 11, 1953 in Chulym, Novosibirsk region. Honored coach of Russia,. Graduated from the Omsk Institute of Physical culture, master of sport.

After a success of his sportsman Sergey Bulygin at the Olympic Games in Saraevo, Polkhovsky was awarded with the title of honored coach. After that he trained the junior team with Anatoly Khovantsev. In 1989-1990 he worked with the Chinese team.

In 1992-1999 worked with Anatoly Khovantsev as a coach of the Russian men's team, leaving the team in 1999 to work in the Novosibirsk Biathlon Federation.

In 2001 he came back to the national team and trained the women's team in tandem with Alexander Selifonov.

For several years he worked as a head coach of the Russian women's team. In December 2007 he was dismissed from his position.

After Mikhail Prokhorov headed the Russian Biathlon Union, Polkhovsky came back as a head coach of the reserve team. In 2011, Polkhovsky became a head coach of the Russian team. After the season 2011/2012 the position of the head coach was abolished, and Polkhovsky left the team.

Young sportsmen of Kamchatka got rifles from the RBU

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:38:10 +0400

Vice-president of the Russian Biathlon Union for sports Victor Maigurov handed over 40 air rifles to young biathletes of Kamchatka. The head of Kamchatka biathlon federation Andrey Markov and about 100 young sportsmen participated in the ceremony, that took place on April 17 at the biathlon complex of V.Fatyanov in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

"The air rifles were presented to the biathletes of Kamchatka in the framework of the biathlon schools support program. It is not a secret that this equipment is quite expensive, and not all the schools can afford to buy the rifles they needed. 40 air rifles is what the children require for shooting training. You should have seen the eyes and emotions when they got the rifles," commented Maigurov.

Olga Zaitseva met pupils and teachers of the Moscow school 629

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 15:18:00 +0400

Two-time Olympic champion, three-time world champion and honored master of sports Olga Zaitseva had a meeting with the pupils and teachers of the Moscow school 629. The event was supported by Megaphone.

The meetings of Olga and the pupils of the school 629 (where she used to study) have already become a tradition. On April 17 Olga visited her alma mater for the third time. Megaphone organized the meeting and the sport program with biathlon elements.

The meeting started in the assembly hall, where Zaitseva awarded the best sportsmen with certificates and presents. After that the biathlete answered the questions regarding her sports carrier – when and why she started with biathlon, what did she feel taking the rifle for the first time, what is the difference in skiing styles, who is her main competitor on track, how to become an Olympic champion, does she feel nervous before the start, which country is the strongest in biathlon. According to Zaitseva, she was able to become a two-time Olympic champion thanks to the everyday training and discipline, the main competitor on the track is herself, and the strongest country in biathlon is Russia.

The students draw portraits of Zaitseva, and she needed to choose the best work. However, Zaitseva said that all pictures were nice and they all won.

After the interview, Olga Zaitseva and children moved to a sport hall and participated in sport games and biathlon quiz. After that, Olga gave autographs and souvenirs to all the kids.

“This is the third time I meet the students of the school, where I studied myself. Today my first coaches and my teachers were with me. The atmosphere was great. This year I asked Megaphone to help me with organization and they supported me. I want to thank them for this!

I like to participate in the events like this, to meet children and talk to them. Last year I also participated in the competitions, but this time I could not do it because of my trauma. I was a referee.

I liked the questions, the kids asked me. Those are the children's questions, interesting and sometimes naïve: for example, how to with an Olympic medal. They do not know the price. I think that I explained it to them at least briefly. It is great they had a paintings contest. I did not know about it and it was a surprise for me. I had to choose the best portrait, but they are all nice, beautiful and made with feeling,” commented Olga Zaitseva.

Photo history

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:21:43 +0400

The season 2012/2013 has already became a part of the history, but Biathlonrus.com does not want to say good bye without recalling the most beautiful moments, which were photographed by a master of the RBU press-office Evgeny Tumashov. 100 of the best pictures, that deserve a separate exhibition, prove that biathlon is not only about passion and fight, but also about elegance and aesthetics.

1. The first rays of the spring-like Norwegian sun ringed in the lens of our photo master into a rainbow.

2. The hero of Oberhof Dmitry Malyshko is skiing to his victory!

3. Tora Berger could not be second this season, as she has not simply the group of support, but the whole army behind her.

4. Biathlete with the evening sky at the background is a charming by its beauty and colors picture.

5. A relay of reindeer takes the winner of the World cup Martin Fourcade away to faraway snow-covered fields.

6. In Obertilliach, our young star Uliana Kaisheva proved that her triumph at the Youth Olympic Games was not accidental!

7. In March, the Olympic Laura hosted the main testing event before Games 2014 – the World cup in Sochi.

8. The Champions race came back to Olympiyskiy – the tournament was great.

9. If we give way to our fantasy – then the artificial light of the lamp can be seen as a shining Moon, and the photo gets a mystical tones.

10. The season 2012/2013 is already a history, but the Olympic Games are ahead of us!

Photo gallery “100 of the best photos of the season 2012/2013”.

Alexander Selifonov: “I can be a tough coach if it is needed”

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:43:39 +0400

According to decision made by the RBU and the Sport Ministry, Alexander Selifonov was appointed as a head coach of the Russian women’s team. In his interview, Alexander talks about consensus with Wolfgang Pichler, decision about groups within the team, which is still to be made, super talents he found during two years of his work with reserve, and methodical work required for success.

- Alexander, after two not the best seasons, some fans see you as a savior of Russia. What do you think about it?

- I am okay with it. However, I do not want any PR. I got an offer to become a head coach. On the one hand, I was happy, but on the other hand, I was frustrated. I had nothing else to do – someone has to work. Biathlon is my favorite sport, and I could not refuse. I understand well, that the tasks now are very-very hard.

- Do you feel pressure from such attention?

- Of course, I had time for rest from the media attention, especially from several interviews in one day. I had a calm life, I worked… I want to have a good working atmosphere in the team. There should be no stress for sportsmen and coaches. We should simply work well.

- You have already been appointed as a head coach, but it is still unclear, what will be the work like in the off-season. Will there be two groups?

- We will have more consultations on this issue. There are plans to make two groups. There will be one team but two directions. We will thoroughly discuss and analyze everything. We should talk to the sportsmen and their personal coaches. After all these, we will make a final decision regarding training plans.

- If there are only two directions, will you be disappointed, that the top-4 sportsmen will train in the group of Wolfgang Pichler?

- No, I will not be disappointed. We are one team with common tasks. And it is too early to talk about this division – the decision on who will train with which coach has not been made yet. We will see, talk and analyze.

- Can you tell now, how the team will be formed for the first world cups?

- By that time it will be clear which sportsmen did well in the off-season and what their conditions are. Some sportsmen will participate in the world cup, and the others – in the IBU cup. In addition, of course, there will be rotation. If someone has a great performance at the IBU cup, she will get a chance at the world cup.

- What can you tell about the work of Pichler?

- I have only seen the team at the competitions. I have not seen how the team trained. It would be wrong to criticize the work of Pichler without knowing all details of the training. Perhaps, there were some mistakes in loads. I think there could be some mistakes in some trainings and training plan. We will see and analyze it with the entire coaching staff.

- We know that your relationships with Wolfgang Pichler are normal. In Uvat you communicated with him and even invited him to your birthday.

- I know Pichler for a long time. From the late 90^th – that time he was training Magdalena Forsberg. I started to work with the team in 1998. Then I had a pause. In 2001, I came back to the main team and worked with it until 2010. We had normal relationships. He is not our enemy! I hope we will manage to work together. We will try to find common points and consensus. We have already talked before my appointment. Later we will talk one more time, will plan how to make everything better.

- For the last two years, you worked with the junior and youth teams. Have you gained any new experience?

- This was a draft and more basic work. Many sportsmen, for example, cannot ski with classical technique or perform some other exercises. Sometimes it happens, that young biathletes are not that good in roller skiing. We had to work a lot on shooting. In the main team, this work is different. However, the world cup in Sochi proved that not all sportsmen could work with that type of the track, offered by the organizing committee. We should teach biathletes to work on the downhills without losing time. So, there are problems even in the main team.

- Will there be less training camps in Ruhpolding?

- Of course, we will correct the training plan’s sites. The Olympics will take place in the mountains. The altitude in Sochi is 1450 meters. We will correct the training plan accordingly. We will work with our scientific group through all important moments. There always should be a dialog and common conception in the training plan.

- Have you noticed anyone good enough for the main team in these two years of work with reserve? Are there any super talents?

- Super talents? (smiles) Of course, there are. We should work with them thoroughly and carefully. Olga Podchufarova is very talented. There are other good sportsmen, that can be at the highest level.

- You are considered as a gentle coach. But this characteristic does not fit to that harsh decision you had to make regarding the relay at the Olympics games in Vancouver. Your decision to include Anna Bogaliy brought Russia a gold medal.

- In principle, in most cases I am a gentle person. However, when there is a need, I can raise my voice. I can be a tough coach, if it is needed. I want to repeat, that I simply want to have a normal working atmosphere in the team.

Family bonds

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:50:51 +0400

The third Champions race became a triumphal not only for the winners of the mixed relay Marie Dorin Habert and Martin Fourcade, but also for Anton Shipulin and Anastasia Kuzmina who won the mass starts. Yes, the family duet was unlucky in the main race, but it means that next year Anton and Anastasia will definitely want to recoup. Overcrowded Olympiyskiy, falls of Shipulin and Fourcade, come back of the legends and seeing-off of Dmitry Yaroshenko are in the photo story of Biathlonrus.com from a popular show.

News of the day – Martin Fourcade and Marie Dorin Haber won the mixed relay at the Champions race

French team won the Champions race for a second time in its history. They held their first victory two years ago also in Olympiyskiy. In the mass starts Fourcade placed 7^th, Dorin Habert – 4^th.

It is interesting, that the French biathletes competed with the skis that did not belong to them. Marie was carrying her skis and the skis of Martin to Moscow, but she lost her luggage on her way. “I want to thank the RBU for lending me the skis of Olga Zaitseva. My skis were lost with my luggage in the airport. I was also carrying things of Martin, so he also lost his skis,” said Marie.

“It is a strange victory for the French team. Marie and I did not have our skis. I was running on the women's skis. The size did not fit me. The skis did not help me today,” added Martin. Several falls in the race proved these words.

Hero of the day – Anton Shipulin

Anton Shipulin won the mass start. He had a great wish to win the race and in the mixed relay Anton and Anstasia Kuzmina (the brother and sister competed together – such a strong family bonds) were close to the long awaited victory. But the disappointing fall of Anton at the last lap did not let them to realize their plan.

“We had a normal fight and usual sport situation. It happens. The same could happen to Martin. He behaved well: apologized, waited for me at the finish. He deserved this victory today. We could win with Nastya, but we will fight for it next time,” said Anton after the race.

Hero of the day – Anastasia Kuzmina

Anastasia Kuzmina won the women’s mass start and inspired her brother to his victory. Despite their loss in the mixed relay, Anastasia does not give up and hopes to recoup next year: “Every year they ask me: who will you run with this year? Of course, with my brother! It is a shame we could not win this year. But we will dream of it. Victory is a victory. Who has ever tasted it will always try to achieve it once again.”

Seeing-off of the day – Dmitry Yaroshenko

The most touching moment of the Champions race was a seeing-off of Dmitry Yaroshenko from big-time sport. Olympiyskiy sent-off the biathlete – several thousands of people stood up while applauding their favorite sportsman.

“Thank you all for your sincere feelings for me. It is a little bit sad for me, but my life is only beginning. I am thankful to sport, that it made a person from me, to my coaches for leading me to the great victories. I want to thank all of you for your love, support and faith,” said Yaroshenko.

Race of the day – Generations race

The Generations race became a nice and long awaited present to the army of supporters. The best Russian biathletes, champions and medalists of the Olympics and world championships participated in the race. There were four teams: Dmitry Vasilyev, Vladimir Drachev and Nikolay Kruglov competed for the team 1, Yuriy Kashkarov, Viktor Maigurov, Dmitry Yaroshenko – the team 2, Sergey Tarasov, Pavel Rostovtsev, Maxim Chudov – the team 3, and Sergey Chepikov, Sergey Rozhkov and Ivan Tcherezov – the team 4.

The team of Chepikov celebrated the formal victory, however, there were no losers. Ivan Tcherezov led the last leg, but waited for his teammates from the legendary relay squad, that won gold medals of the world championships 2007 and 2008. They crossed the finish line together.

Comment of the day – Olga Vilukhina: “At first I wanted to run with Evgeny Ustyugov”

Olga Vilukhina and Christoph Sumann became the bronze medalists of the Champions race 2013. However, at the press conference Olga said she wanted to compete in pair with her teammate Evgeny Ustyugov, adding that she “had to make do with what she had”, and making the journalists and Sumann lough. The Austrian sportsman was not taken aback and made a compliment to Vilukhina, saying he was happy to know he would run with the Russian.

Figure of the day - 17000

This is the number of spectators that came to Olympiyskiy on Saturday to see the battle of the best biathletes.

Photo of the day

Biathlon in Olympiyskiy, but with the Kremlin on the background? Everything is possible at the Champions race! :)

Fan of the day

All 17000 people that packed Olympiyskiy are the fans of the day. Spectators supported all sportsmen and created an inimitable atmosphere of the biathlon festival.

Martin Fourcade: "I was running like a beast"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:54:43 +0400

Martin Fourcade commented on his performance in the Champions race 2013:

"It is always great to be a winner. I was running like a beast today. I am really sorry for Anton. I want to apologize.

It is a strange victory for the French team. Marie and I did not have our skis. I was running on the women's skis. The size did not fit me. The skis did not help me today.

I was sure Anton would win, as he was stronger. I want to thank the family of Shipulins for the race today, their performance was great.

The Champions race for me is more like a show, as we always perform here for spectators."

Marie Dorin Habert: "I want to thank the RBU for lending me the skis of Olga Zaitseva"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:50:32 +0400

Marie Dorin Habert commented on her performance in the Champions race 2013:

"You cannot get tired from victories. Of course, I will come next year. I really like it here. I want to thank the RBU for lending me the skis of Olga Zaitseva. My skis were lost with my luggage in the airport. I was also carrying things of Martin, so he also lost his skis.

The season for long and difficult. But we are here, as it is a great pleasure for us.

The season is not over for me yet. I will participate in one more race, and after that will travel to Morocco with my husband."

Anton Shipulin: "Champions race is a show, but everyone wants to win"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:45:52 +0400

Anton Shipulin commented on his performance in the Champions race 2013:

"We had a normal fight and usual sport situation. It happens. The same could happen to Martin. He behaved well: apologized, waited for me at the finish. He deserved this victory today. We could win with Nastya, but we will fight for it next time.

The Champions race is more like a show for us, but everyone wants to win. In mass start I had no emotions. I was so happy for Nastya that did not think of myself. In the relay I wanted to give fer this victory, as I promised it to her last year.

As for my plans, I will join Nastya in Kamchatka. We will have a training camp there. After that I will go to a health resort and the sea. A preparation for the next season will start in the middle of May."

Anastasia Kuzmina: "I will gladly participate in the Champions race next year"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:39:00 +0400

Anastasia Kuzmina commented on her performance in the Champions race 2013:

"Every year they ask me: who will I run with this year? Of course, with my brother!

It is a shame we could not win this year. But we will dream of it. Victory is victory. Who has ever tasted it will always try to achieve it once again.

If I will be invited to the Champions race next year, I will come with a pleasure.

After this race I will go to Kamchatka, and after that will spend three weeks at home in Slovakia. The rehabilitation training camp by the sea will follow."

Olga Vilukhina: "At first, I wanted to run with Evgeny Ustyugov"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:34:12 +0400

Olga Vilukhina commented on her performance in the mixed relay at the Champions race 2013:

"At first, I wanted to run with Evgeny Ustyugov. But when I came to the referee he told me I would run with Sumann. I had to make do with what I had.

There is no other place with atmosphere like here. You cannot compare it to anything else.

Now I will go back home to Novosibirsk. I will train on snow, and then will have vacations by the sea."

Christoph Sumann: "I was happy to run with Olga"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:26:58 +0400

Chrisoph Sumann commented on his performance in the mixed relay at the Champions race 2013:

"When I was asked who do I want to run with, I said with Olga. I was happy to run with her.

I felt tired today, as I came to Moscow yesterday late night. I have not slept enough.

On Monday I will travel back home, spend some time with my family and will have a rest after a hard season. The pause is not that big, two-three weeks. After that the training and training camps will start once again."

Dmitry Vasilyev: "The main thing is that the spectators are happy"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:23:26 +0400

Two-time Olympic champion Dmitry Vasilyev commented on his performance in the Generations race at the Champion race 2013:

"The main thing is that spectators are happy. This show is organized for them. It is a pleasure for us to meet each other as we do not talk that often, unfortunately. The races like this help us to see each other more often, to remember good all times we had together - great moments of victories and sorrowful moments of defeats. And as usual, to lough and get positive emotions."

Ivan Tcherezov: "Today we competed with our squad"

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:15:43 +0400

Ivan Tcherezov commented on the results of the Generations race, which took place at the Champions race 2013 in Olympiyskiy:

"I think that the changes that were made to the first program made the race more interesting. The oldest generation ran the first leg, after that the younger sportsmen, and then we. Our team ran at the same time.

Three of us are active sportsmen, that is why if we competed in one team we would have an advantage. So it was fair to compete with a new format."

Mikhail Prokhorov: "New management of the RBU should be chosen according to results of the Olympics"

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:54:41 +0400

President of the Russian Biathlon Union Mikhail Prokhorov talks about the results of the RBU conference, that took place in Moscow on Friday:

"Biathlon is so popular in our country, that not only fans are emotional but also participants of our conference. There were very emotional speeches, we gave word to everyone.

It is nice, that we have such a passion here. When the opinions are constructive and professional we always find the common solutions. It was not easy - we spent at least three hours.

The main decisions are following: we prolonged the terms of the main management bodies until May 31 of the next year. The Executive board carried unanimously this decision. According to the charter, the prolongation is only possible for four years, but this is not right. A new management should be chosen according to results of the team's performance in Sochi next year."

Conference of the RBU prolonged the terms of the current RBU president Mikhail Prokhorov, Council and the Executive board of the RBU

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:20:50 +0400

The Conference of the Russian Biathlon Union took place in Moscow on April 5. The conference took place under the leadership of the RBU president Mikhail Prokhorov. 53 delegates participated in the meeting.

The participants of the conference heard the report of Mikhail Prokhorov, head of the control and revision commission Olga Rompel. After that the delegates assessed the work of the Executive board and the RBU council as satisfactory.

Delegates adopted unanimously changes and additions to the RBU charter. The majority of participants voted for prolongation of the terms of the RBU council, Executive board and revision commission until May 31, 2014. Two-time Olympic champion Anfisa Reztsova was included to the Executive board.

Anton Shipulin and Anastasia Kuzmina won mass starts, Martin Fourcade and Marie Dorin Habert - mixed relay at the Champions race

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 14:06:23 +0400

Anton Shipulin from Russia and his sister Slovakian sportsman Anastasia Kuzmina won the mass starts, Martin Fourcade and Marie Dorin Habert from France were the best in the mixed relay at the Champions race 2013 in Moscow.

Champions race 2013. Mixed relay

1. Marie Dorin Habert (France)/Martin Fourcade (France) - 42.01,6

2. Anastasia Kuzmina (Slovakia)/Anton Shipulin (Russia) +0,6

3. Olga Vilukhina (Russia)/Christoph Sumann (Austria) +1,8

4. Kaisa Makarainen (Finland)/Jakov Fak (Slovenia) +12,5 (2)

5. Daria Domracheva (Belarus)/Bjoern Ferry (Sweden) +19,5 (4)

6. Tora Berger (Norway)/Emil Hegle Svendsen (Norway) +55,4 (4)

7. Gabriela Soukalova (Czech Republic)/Tarjei Boe (Norway) +1.20,6 (5)

8. Vita Semerenko (Ukraine)/Evgeny Ustyugov (Russia) +2.12,0 (6)

9. Valj Semerenko (Ukraine)/Simon Fourcade (France) +2.13,9 (6)

10. Miriam Gossner (Germany)/Alexander Loginov (Russia) +2.32,2 (9)

Champions race 2013. Mass start. Men

1. Anton Shipulin (Russia) – 17.08,6 (0)

2. Jakov Fak (Slovenia) +1,8 (0)

3. Bjoern Ferry (Sweden) +3,3 (0)

4. Emil Hegle Svendsen (Norway) +7,7 (0)

5. Christoph Sumann (Austria) +8,8 (1)

6. Aelxander Loginov (Russia) +18,6 (2)

7. Martin Fourcade (France)+35,0 (3)

8. Evgeny Ustyugov (Russia) +35,7 (2)

9. Tarjei Boe (Norway) +47,0 (3)

Champions race 2013. Mass start. Women

1. Anastasia Kuzmina (Slovakia) – 19.12,2 (1)

2. Kaisa Makarainen (Finland) +1,8 (1)

3. Daria Domracheva (Belarus) +2,2 (2)

4. Marie Dorin Habert (France) +2,4 (2)

5. Olga Vilukhina (Russia) +5,5 (2)

6. Gabriela Soukalova (Czech Republic) +17,0 (2)

7. Tora Berger (Norway) +46,8 (3)

8. Vita Semerenko (Ukraine) +54,0 (3)

9. Valj Semerenko (Ukraine) +1.00,4 (3)

10. Miriam Gossner (Germany) +1.10,3 (7)

Russian Biathlon Union and Sport Ministry approved a coaching staff composition of the Russian national team

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:21:36 +0400

Today the Russian Biathlon Union and the Sport Ministry of the Russian Federation approved a structure and personnel of the coaching staff of the Russian biathlon team for the Olympic season 2013/2014.

The structure and personnel of the coaching staff were approved by majority of the RBU Executive Committee on the basis of recommendations of the Expert Council of the Sport Ministry for strengthening of the Russian team's coaching staff.

Nikolay Lopukhov will continue to head the men's team next season. Sergey Konovalov and Pavel Lantsov will help him.

Experienced Alexander Selifonov was appointed as a head coach of the women's team. Alexander worked with the team at the Olympic Games 2010. Wolfgang Pichler, who trained the team for the last two seasons, and shooting coach Pavel Rostovtsev will remain with the team. Another famous specialist of physical training Sergey Efimov will join the team for the next season.

Tarjei Boe: "Moscow is my favorite city in Russia"

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:35:50 +0400

Participant of the Champions race and real fan of Moscow Tarjei Boe says he hopes to finally win the competition and promises to show attention to all supporters that will come to Olympiyskiy on April 6:

"I look forward to come to Moscow again and compete in the Champions race. This is the best biathlon show-competition.

I really like Moscow. I have been to different places in Russia, but Moscow is my favorite city. This is a huge city with crazy tempo of life. We always have a great time in Moscow: at the race and after it.

It is great that this year like two years ago the race will take place in Olympiyskiy. I liked to compete indoor more than in the street. The atmosphere is greater at the stadium: there are a lot of spectators, they all cheer, it is a real show!

Of course, I hope to win. I have never won in the Champions race, I want to finally do it.

Fans, you have to come to Olympiyskiy! I promise that I will make photos with everyone and give my autographs. Come and support me! You will certainly het super positive emotions."

We Are the Champions

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:03:29 +0400

Detailed guide of the third Champions Race – Biathlonrus.com explains in details why even despite of cold spring it will be hot on April 6 in Olympiyskiy.

Billboard

What: Champion race

Where: Olympiyskiy, Moscow

When: April 6, 2013

After one race in Luzhniki, the main biathlon show of the country comes back to Olympiyskiy, where everyone will feel more comfortable and warm.

The best people of peloton, more than a hundred singers and artists, three horses for award ceremony, ice podium, décor in old-Russian style, Kremlin towers with chimes under the roof – the most theatricalized and peaceful biathlon show will happen on the nearest Saturday.

Budget of the play – 60 mln rubles. It is less than a year ago, but the same amount as two years ago.

Purchase of the tickets today or tomorrow is a great luck – the last batch issued several days ago will hardly last until the weekend. 20000 spectators are expected along the track and inside of Olympiyskiy.

Track

Two thirds of the 1.5 km track will be placed in surrounding of the arena – the track will be made exclusively for the race. However, the most important events – start, finish, shooting and award ceremony – will happen under the roof.

The issue with snow is solved – while biathletes were fighting for the world cup scores in Khanty-Manisysk, one special snow cannon prepared a surface – 6500 cubic meters of snow should be enough for the race. By the way, one of the features of the Champions race 2011 – loop at the track – is still there.

Scheme of the track

Format

The detailed info is here.

The format has almost remained unchanged. Director of the Champions race Alexander Pak believes that constant program is one of the most important factors of the interest from spectators. Women’s and men’s mass starts one after another, and mixed relay as a culmination.

This year we will have couple of additions to that: seeing off of retired Dmitry Yaroshenko and…

Generations race

A full-fledged show in the middle of the program is a festival that will сharm everyone. A huge fragment of the Russian biathlon’s history presented in persons – three epochs at one track, three teams in one race fighting against each other.

The team of the 80^th: Dmitry Vasilyev, Yuriy Kashkarov, Sergey Tarasov, Sergey Chepikov.

The team of the 00^th: Viktor Maigurov, Pavel Rostovtsev, Vladimir Drachev, Sergey Rozhkov.

The legendary team: Ivan Tcherezov, Nikolay Kruglov, Maxim Chudov, Dmitry Yaroshenko.

Is not it cool? The info about tickets is here.

For spectators:

There will be a souvenirs sale and special photo zones (shooting range and flower ceremony) for the photos with 3D models of biathletes set in spectators’ zone. Two feed points will be available for the fans – partner of the Champions race 2013 SUBWAY has organized a buffet in foyer. Soups and sandwiches for serious fans, salads and rolls for beautiful supporters, and the best deserts for kids!

Partner of the Champions race and the RBU Megafon invites everyone to its fan zone for a photo session. Anyone will be able to feel himself as a part of a big biathlon team visiting a shooting range or flower ceremony after finish and making memorable photos.

Official partner of the Russian team and Champions race Adidas will entertain supporters in its photo zone. 3D models of Dmitry Malyshko and Olga Vilukhina will be available for photo sessions with everyone!

Racers

There is a reason for organizers to be proud of themselves – debut visit to Moscow of Tora Berger, who won everything this season. By the way, it is the first time, when both winners of the World cup’s total will participate in the race. Martin Fourcade is also here.

Men:

1. Martin Fourcade (France)

2. Emil Helge Svendsen (Norway)

3. Jakov Fak (Slovania)

4. Evgeny Ustyugov (Russia)

5. Anton Shipulin (Russia)

6. Tarjei Boe (Norway)

7. Bjoern Ferry (Sweden)

8. Dimon Fourcade (France)

9. Christoph Sumann (Austria)

10. Alexander Loginov (Russia)

Women:

1. Tora Berger (Norway)

2. Daria Domracheva (Belarus)

3. Marie Dorin Habert (France)

4. Kaisa Makarainen (Finland)

5. Gabriela Soukalova (Czech Republic)

6. Anastasia Kuzmina (Slovakia)

7. Miriam Gossner (Germany)

8. Vita Semerenko (Ukraine)

9. Olga Vilukhina (Russia)

10 Valj Semerenko (Ukraine)

Broadcasting

At 11:10 (GMT+1) turn on the Russia sport channel Russia 2.

Alexander Loginov will replace Dominik Landertinger in the Champions race

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:29:21 +0400

Four-time champion of the junior world championships, winner and medalist of the World cup Alexander Loginov will replace Dominik Landertinger at the Champions race, which will take place in Olympiyskiy on April 6.

"Dominik called us and said he had a serious cold and that he could not come to Moscow to participate in the Champions race. He had even tried to organize a substitution - his team mates. However, both Simon Eder and Daniel Mesotisch already had the plans for this weekend. This situation is not bad for us, as we decided to take another Russian sportsman to the race - four-time winner of the junior world championships, winner and medalist of the world cups Alexander Loginov. Taking into account that veterans and today's leaders will participate in the race, Loginov will add some charm to the event, which will gather the whole world of biathlon: from veterans to juniors," commented director of the Champions race Alexander Pak.

Anastasia Kuzmina: "We all look forward to finish the season and compete in Moscow"

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:54:33 +0400

Participant of the Champions race Anastasia Kuzmina dreams of winning the race with her brother Anton Shipulin and competing again in Olympiyskiy:

"To say the truth I liked the idea of the Champions race from its first year. How could you refuse to run with the brother? No way! It is not a exaggeration if I say that we are all looking forward to the season's end to compete in Moscow.

Last year my brother and I promised to win the Champions race this year. Now we will try to keep it. I think that Anton dreams of running the race with me again.

It is great that the competition will take place in Olympiyskiy again. It was hard to assess the Champions race in its first year, as there was nothing to compare to. Last year, the weather was not so nice, it was not the idea to organize the outdoor competition. There is a unique feature in Olympiyskiy - everything changes when you run out to the street: snow, atmosphere. At first you are indoor, and then you hear a noisy city. This way it is even more interesting for sportsmen and spectators.

Dear supporters, come to see us on April 6 in Olympiyskiy, watch the Champions race and we will do our best for you!"

Kaisa Makarainen: "All biathletes like to come to Moscow and compete in the Champions race"

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:22:27 +0400

Winner of the Champions race 2012 Kaisa Makarainen says that from the tournament, which will take place on April 6, she expects not a result, but an opportunity to have a good time:

"It is difficult to say now, what result I can get there, as I do not know who will be my partner in the mixed relay. I just want to go there, make fun and enjoy it.

The Champions race is a great show for sportsmen. For several days we spend time together. We have a good time, have dinners and tours. The atmosphere is light and joyful. I have no doubts that everyone likes to come to Moscow and compete in the Champions race.

It is great that this time the race will take place indoor. Last year the weather was not nice - it was raining. I think that the atmosphere in Olympiyskiy will be similar to that they have at the Christmas race, as it is a stadium with many spectators sitting around. The feelings are amazing.

I want to come back to Moscow again. I do not know what program the organizers prepared for us this time, but I think it will be interesting. Last year we had a great excursion at the Red square and other historical places of Moscow."

Anton Shipulin won the pursuit race at the Prize of Tyumen region governor, Ekaterina Glazyrina is second

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:41:47 +0400

Anton Shipulin won the pursuit race at the Prize of Tyumen region governor, Evgeny Garanichev placed second, Alexander Loginov - third. In the women's race Ekaterina Glazyrina got silver with Kaisa Makarainen, Finland, winning the pursuit. Vita Semerenko, Ukraine, finished third.

Prize of Tyumen region governor. Tyumen

Pursuit. Men

1. Anton Shipulin (Russia) – 34.02,7 (1)

2. Evgeny Garanichev (Russia) +36,2 (4)

3. Alexander Loginov (Russia) +59,1 (3)

Pursuit. Women

1. Kaisa Makarainen (Finland) – 30.51,9 (1)

2. Ekaterina Glazyrina (Russia) +48,9 (0)

3. Vita Semerenko (Ukraine) +1.21,8 (2)

4. Olga Vilukhina (Russia) +1.59,9 (4)

Ivan Tcherezov won the mega mass start in Tyumen, Anna Nikulina is third

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 21:30:42 +0400

Ivan Tcherezov won the mega mass start at the Prize of Tyumen region governor. Anton Shipulin got silver, Andrey Makoveev - bronze. Kaisa Makarainen, Finland, was the best among women. Ukrainian Vita Semerenko finished second, with Russian Anna Nikulina closing the top-3. Biathlete of the Russian team Olga Vilukhina got two minutes penalty, as she did not ran one penalty loop. In the pursuit, all the gaps between sportsmen will be divided by 3.

Prize of Tyumen region governor. Tyumen

Mega mass start. Men 18km

1. Ivan Tcherezov (Russia) – 52.34,1 (1)

2. Anton Shipulin (Russia) +13,7 (5)

3. Andrey Makoveev (Russia) +13,9 (3)

4. Alexander Loginov (Russia) +19,3 (3)

5. Dmitry Malyshko (Russia) +28,5 (7)

6. Evgeny Garanichev (Russia) +44,9 (6)

Mega mass start. Women 13,5km

1. Kaisa Makarainen (Finland) - 47.13,3 (8)

2. Vita Semerenko (Ukraine) +18,6 (5)

3. Anna Nikulina (Russia) +41,3 (6)

4. Uliana Denisova (Russia) +46,2 (7)

5. Teja Gergorin (Slovenia) +53,3 (7)

6. Ekaterina Shumilova (Russia) +59,5 (4)

Sergey Kushchenko: “We are thankful to the IBU for their support of the Champions race”

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:56:46 +0400

The CEO of the Russian Biathlon Union Sergey Kushchenko talks about the growing popularity of biathlon in the world thanks to the Champions race, and expresses gratitude to the IBU for their support of the project from its very beginning:

“The International Biathlon Union supported the idea of the Champions race in Moscow at the time when this project was at its early stage. I want to express our high gratitude and thank the IBU for that.

The IBU has a great interest in this tournament. The Champions race is not just an entertaining show for sportsmen and fans. This year almost entire Executive committee of the IBU and chiefs of the national federations come to Moscow to hold a row of meetings and solve some important issues on the eve of the Olympic season.

Our race has a key position in the world biathlon. After the first Champions race in 2011, people said that the German Christmas race had a lower organizational level: Moscow created a more striking event. The Champions race also holds one of the key positions in terms of biathlon popularization in the world. Partly, it also formed a positive attitude of the IBU to other Russian projects – today the International Biathlon Union supports all the Russian biathlon projects.”

Champions race 2013 announced the sportsmen to participate in the show

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:05:03 +0400

20 biathletes - 10 men and 10 women - will run the Champions race in Olympiyskiy on April 6. Sportsmen's names were announced at the press conference on March 28.

Men:

Martin Fourcade (France) – silver medalist of the Olympic games 2010, five-time world champion, six-time silver medalist of the world championships
Emil Hegle Svendsen (Norway) – two-time Olympic champion and silver medalist of the Olympic games 2010, 11-time world champion, four-time silver medalist of the world championships
Dominik Landertinger (Austria) – silver medalist of the Olympic games 2010, world champion and silver medalist of the world championship 2009
Jakov Fak (Slovenia) – bronze medalist of the Olympic games 2010, world champion, silver medalist of the world championship
Evgeny Ustyugov (Russia) – Olympic champion and bronze medalist of the Olympic games 2010, two-time silver medalist of the world championships
Anton Shipulin (Russia) – bronze medalist of the Olympic games 2010, silver and two-time bronze medalist of the world championships
Tarjei Boe (Norway) – Olympic champion of the Games 2010, seven-time world champion
Bjoern Ferry (Sweden) – Olympic champion of the Games 2010, world champion, silver and bronze medalist of the world championship
Simon Fourcade (France) – world champion, three-time silver medalist of the world championships
Christoph Sumann (Austria) – two-time silver medalist of the Olympic games 2010, two-time silver medalists of the world championship

Women:

Tora Berger (Norway) – Olympic champion of the Games 2010, eight-time world champion, five-time silver medalist of the world championships
Daria Domracheva (Belarus) – bronze medalist of the Olympic games 2010, two-time world champion, three-time silver medalist of the world championships
Marie Dorin Habert (France) – silver and bronze medalist of the Olympic games 2010, three-time silver medalist of the world championships
Kaisa Makarainen (Finland) – world champion, silver and bronze medalists
Gabriela Soukalova (Czech Republic) – bronze medalist of the world championship 2013
Anastasia Kuzmina (Slovakia) – Olympic champion and silver medalist of the Olympic games 2010, silver medalist of the world championship 2009
Miriam Gossner (Germany) – two-time world champion
Vita Semerenko (Ukraine) – two-time silver and three-time bronze medalist of the world championships
Olga Vilukhina (Russia) – bronze medalist of the world championship 2012
Valj Semerenko (Ukraine) – two-time silver and bronze medalist of the world championships

Honored masters

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:47:01 +0400

Ivan Tcherezov and Marina Korovina won the mass starts at the Russian championship in Uvat. Three honored masters of sport on the pedestal of the men’s race, Korovina, who won despite all the obstacles, ideal shooting of Tcherezov and speed of Chudov are in the photo report of Biathlonrus.com.

News of the day – Ivan Tcherezov and Marina Korovina won the mass starts at the Russian championship in Uvat

Representatives of the Tyumen region Ivan Tcherezov and Marina Korovina finished first in the mass starts. Silver medals went to Maxim Chudov (Bashkiria) and Daria Virolainen (Moscow), Maxim Maximov (Tyumen) and Valentina Nazarova (Udmurtia) got bronze.

Shooting of the day – Ivan Tcherezov and Larisa Kuznetsova

Ivan Tcherezov was ideal at the shooting range with no mistakes. No one could repeat the exploit of Ivan. However, the day before, in the relay, Tcherezov was not doing that well. “Yesterday it was much harder, as I have not shot with such a wind for two years,” explained Ivan. Five biathletes missed twice in the women’s peloton. Larisa Kuznetsova was the fastest to close 18 targets.

Speed of the day – Maxim Chudov and Uliana Denisova

Maxim Chudov was the fastest on track, winning over Maxim Maximov and Artem Gusev at the finish. Uliana Denisova was the fastest among women, but five misses did not let her to finish on podium – 4^th place in the race.

Comment of the day - Ivan Tcherezov: “This was an ideal race in terms of both shooting and speed”

“I could not train properly in summer because of my trauma, that is why I could not gain a perfect shape in the season. Now I feel well.” Let us wish Ivan to have a productive summer this time.

The same is about Marina Korovina, who complained about not optimal form: “My shape is not the best now, despite the fact that I could win. It is too early to discuss the training plans for the next season.”

Figure of the day – 18

Medalists of the mass start have 18 medals of the world championships and Olympic Games.

Photo of the day – Maxim Burtasov advertised one famous during during the race

Perhaps that is what he ordered during the relay?:)

Legendary Russian relay team will participate in the Champions race 2013

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:50:30 +0400

The legendary Russian relay team – Ivan Tcherezov, Maxim Chudov, Nikolay Kruglov and Dmitry Yaroshenko – will participate in the Champions race 2013, which will take place in Olympiyskiy on April 6.

The team that won the world championships two times (Anterselva-2007 and Ostersund-2008) will run in the relay of generations. Famous Russian biathletes – champions and medalists of the Olympic Games and world championships, the best sportsmen of Russia and the USSR – will become the competitors of Tcherezov, Kruglov, Chudov and Yaroshenko.

Three teams will fight in the relay of generations. Dmitry Vasilyev, Yuriy Kashkarov, Sergey Chepikov and Sergey Tarasov will run for the team of the 80^th. These sportsmen had their best results in the 80^th-90^th of the past century.

The generation of younger biathletes, those who performed at the highest level in the 90^th and finished their carrier in the beginning of XXI century, will fight for the team of 00^th: Viktor Maigurov, Pavel Rostovtsev, Vladimir Drachev and Sergey Rozhkov.

A send-off ceremony of Dmitry Yaroshenko will take place after the finish of the relay. A two-time world champion announced his retirement early February.

Ivan Tcherezov: "This was an ideal race in terms of both shooting and speed"

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:39:08 +0400

Ivan Tcherezov commented on his performance in the mass start at the Russian championship in Uvat:

"I am glad this race was so lucky for me. My clean shooting allowed me to keep the comfort speed. If we compare this race to the relay, there was almost no wind at the shooting range today. Yesterday it was much harder, as I have not shoot with this kind of wind for two years.

This mass start was ideal in terms of both shooting and speed. I could not train properly in summer because of my trauma, that is why I could not gain a perfect shape in the season. Now I feel well."

Marina Korovina: "It was not an easy victory, I am glad I could shoot well"

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:35:33 +0400

Marin Korovina commented on her victory in the mass start at the Russian championship in Uvat:

"It was not an easy victory. I am glad I could shoot well. However, my speed is not the best now. It was the last start, I needed to be concentrated and to show everything I could. At the last lap I was fighting against Daria Virolainen - I controlled the situation. My shape is not the best now, despite the fact that I could win. It is too early to discuss the training plans for the next season."

One team, one dream

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:29:16 +0400

The women’s team of Novosibirsk and the men’s team of Bashkiria won the relays at the Russian championship in Uvat. Comeback of Vilukhina from Switzerland, Chudov and co. with one dream, and Volkov, who tamed the Uvat wind without any problems are in the photo report of Biathlonrus.com.

News of the day – the women’s team of Novosibirsk and the men’s team of Bashkiria won in the relays

Anton Babikov, Alexander Zhirny, Vasiliy Shetalin and Maxim Chudov placed first in the men’s relay, winning over the favorites – the teams of Khanty-Mansiysk and Tyumen. The representatives of Bashkiria won the race with 4 penalty loops and 14 spare rounds. The reason is the strong wind at the shooting range. Winners of the women’s relay – Anna Suraeva, Galina Nechkasova, Anna Nikulina and Olga Vilukhina – had one penalty loop and 12 extra bullets.

Shooting of the day – Alexey Volkov

Alexey was inimitable at the shooting range. If you can shoot, then wind is not a problem. Alexey shot all 10 targets. There were not biathletes with clean shooting in the women’s relay.

Comeback of the day – Olga Vilukhina

Biathlete of the national team missed sprint and pursuit in Uvat, but came back before the relay and helped the Novosibirsk team to win in the relay. “I missed the first part of the Russian championship, as I wanted to have a short break. I went to Switzerland with Olga Zaitseva. I saw how she lives there. We walked around a lot. I celebrated my birthday there. I am very satisfied with this trip. It was the first time when I celebrated my birthday abroad,” said Olga after the race.

Comment of the day – Maxim Chudov: “The team of Bashkiria needed this victory more than the other teams”

“It is nice that I could win this gold medal with my team,” commented Maxim Chudov. “We needed this victory more than all other teams. We have a difficult situation in our region. Today we proved that we could fight even with these serious problems. I am not ready to answer the questions about my preparation for the next season.”

We want to wish good luck to the sportsmen from Bashkiria. With their great work, they should earn a better situation in the region. We hope that Maxim Chudov will not give up and continue fighting for a place at biathlon Olympia.”

Photo of the day – Maxim Chudov with his teammates

One team, one dream!

Ivan Tcherezov and Marina Korovina won the mass starts at the Russian championship in Uvat

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:07:01 +0400

Biathletes of Tyumen region Ivan Tcherezov and Marina Korovina won the mass starts at the Russian championship in Uvat.

Russian championship. Uvat

Mass start. Men

1. Ivan Tcherezov – 41.15,0 (0)

2. Maxim Chudov +1.03,3 (4)

3. Maxim Maximov +1.16,2 (4)

Results

Ivan Tcherezov: “This was an ideal race in terms of both shooting and speed”

Mass start. Women

1. Marina Korovina – 41.42,6 (2)

2. Daria Virolainen +6,5 (2)

3. Valentina Nazarova +22,6 (3)

Results

Marina Korovina: “It was not an easy victory, I am glad I could shoot well”

Bashkiria team won the men's relay at the Russian championship in Uvat

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:49:34 +0400

The men's team of Bashkiria - Anton Babikov, Alexander Zhirny, Vasiliy Shetalin and Maxim Chudov - won the relay at the Russian championship in Uvat. The team of Khanty-Mansiysk took the second place, with the Tyumen team finishing third.

Results

1. Bashkiria (Babikov, Zhirny, Shetalin, Chudov) - 1:23:06,4 (4+14)

2. Khanty-Mansiysk (Trusov, Gusev, Boyarskikh, Volkov) +14,5 (2+14)

3. Tyumen (Garanichev, Maximov, Cherezov, Makoveev) +38,4 (4+14)

Novosibirsk team won the women's relay at the Russian championship in Uvat

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:42:40 +0400

The women's relay took place at the Russian championship in Uvat. The team of Novosibirsk - Anna Suraeva, Galina Nechkasova, Anna Nikulina and Olga Vilukhina - won the relay. Mordovia team finished second, the champion of the last yeat - Tyumen team - placed third.

Results

1. Novosibirsk (Suraeva, Nechkasova, Nikulina, Vilukhina) - 1:18.22,8 (1+12)

2. Mordovia (Kunaeva, Timofeeva, Seledtsova, Sorokina) - +1.34,3 (2+13)

3. Tyumen (Starykh, Zagoruiko, Trusova, Bulygina) +3.07,7 (4+12)

They did not get them

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:44:51 +0400

Ekaterina Glazyrina and Evgeny Garanichev doubled their victories, winning the pursuit races at the Russian championship in Uvat. Stability of Garanichev and Glazyrina, breakthrough of Ustyugov and Yurlova DNF of Sleptsova and mysterious helicopter are in the photo report of Biathlonrus.com.

News of the day – Ekaterina Glazyrina and Evgeny Garanichev won their second gold medals in the pursuits at the Russian championship in Uvat

Competitors could not get the winners of the sprints Garanichev and Glazyrina. The leaders made three mistakes in shooting each, but still there was no intrigue. Alexey Volkov and Irina Starykh won silver, Maxim Burtasov and Anastasia Kalina – bronze.

At the cup for the Tyumen gouvernor's prize the spectators can get a more interesting show. On March 30, biathletes will fight for medals in a new discipline, something in between of mass start and marathon. On March 31, there will be pursuit with the handicaps divided by 3.

Shooting of the day – Marcel Sharipov and Natalia Eremich

Names of the best snipers of the pursuits are not well known, but there were no other athletes with better performance at the shooting range. Natalia Eremich is the only biathlete to shoot clean. Marcel Sharipov had one mistake – the best result in the men’s race. Accuracy of Eremich helped her to raise from the 58^th place to 31^st. Sharipov started 40^th and finished 22^nd.

Breakthrough of the day – Evgeny Ustyugov and Ekaterina Yurlova

After disappointing sprints, Evgeny Ustyugov and Ekaterina Yurlova had the best breakthroughs. Ustyugov raised from the 16^th position to the sixth, Yurlova changed her 26^th place for fourth. Of course, there were more solid jumps in the bottom of peloton, but the price of the flower ceremony is higher.

Question of the day – What has happened to Svetlana Sleptsova?

Judging from number of comments in the Internet, DNF (did not finish) of Sveta attracted more attention than results of the race. Sveta, who finished second in the sprint, feels well now. However, during the race, she got a cramp in her legs and could not continue fighting.

Comment of the day – Evgeny Garanichev: “It is nice that the governor of Tyumen region is interested in biathlon”

Indeed, it is!

Photo of the day – mysterious helicopter

During the women’s race, the mysterious helicopter flew over the biathlon complex. Perhaps, the pilots wanted to take a bird's-eye view at biathlon. It is good that they decided not to stay too long above the shooting range – there was enough of unpredictable wind at shooting.

Ekaterina Glazyrina and Evgeny Garanichev won the pursuits at the Russian championship in Uvat

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:24:47 +0400

Ekaterina Glazyrina and Evgeny Garanichev won their second races in a row, placing first in the pursuit races at the Russian championship in Uvat.

Russian championship. Uvat

Pursuit. Men

1. Evgeny Garanichev - 34.07,2 (3)

2. Alexey Volkov +35,3 (2)

3. Maxim Burtasov +41,6 (4)

Pursuit. Women

1. Ekaterina Glazyrina - 33.15,4 (3)

2. Irina Starykh +36,0 (1)

3. Anastasia Kalina +1.14,2 (3)

Tyumen guarantee

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:20:20 +0400

Biathlete of the Russian team and representative of Tyumen region Evgeny Garanichev won the sprint race at the Russian championship in Uvat. Alexey Volkov won silver, Alexey Trusov – bronze. Evgeny and two Alexeys on the podium, accuracy of Burtasov and speed of Slepov are in the photo report of Biathlonrus.com.

News of the day – Evgeny Garanichev won the sprint race at the Russian championship in Uvat

Representative of Tyumen region won the sprint race at the Russian championship in Uvat. Alexey Volkov and Alexey Trusov placed second and third. Comparing to the women’s sprint, it was more difficult for the biathletes of the national team to finish high. Three athletes who did not start at the world cups this year made it to the top-5.

Shooting of the day – Maxim Burtasov

Maxim Burtasov from Krasnoyarsk had the best shooting time among sportsmen who shot clean. 24 biathletes shot faster than Maxim in the sprint, but they could not avoid misses.

Speed of the day – Alexey Slepov

Ex-skier Alexey Slepov has become a real biathlete and showed the best course time in the sprint. On the track, Alexey won 6,5 second over the winner of the race Evgeny Garanichev. They both made one mistake in shooting, but at the shooting range, Alexey was slower by 20 seconds comparing to Evgeny. 88^th shooting time is a great reserve.

Expectation of the day – pursuit promises to be interesting

The top-10 biathletes finished within 39 seconds. Taking into account the difficult wind in Uvat, the pursuit race will be interesting. Alexey Volkov won the pursuit last year. This year he has a good position for attack – second place in the sprint.

Comment of the day – Evgeny Garanichev: “Support of my girlfriend helped me to win”

“I am satisfied with the result. I showed 90% from what I am ready for – I missed with the first shot at standing shooting. Fans support us great in Uvat. This is my home region, it is a great pleasure for me to compete here. Of course, I am tired after such a long season. But I want to thank all those people who support me and compete in all races in Uvat and Tyumen. You always find some additional strengths competing for the highest places. My girlfriend came to Uvat – it is easier for me now, since she is with me.”

Photo of the day

Medalists of Uvat.

Evgeny Garanichev won the sprint race at the Russian cup in Uvat

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 14:33:05 +0400

Evgeny Garanichev won the sprint at the Russian cup in Uvat, Tyumen region. Alexey Volkov and Alexey Trusov placed second and third, accordingly.

Russian championship. Uvat.

Sprint. Men

1. Evgeny Garanichev – 25.25,1 (1)

2. Alexey Volkov +3,5 (0)

3. Alexey Trusov +6,7 (1)

4. Maxim Maximov +16,1 (1)

5. Maxim Burtasov +19,2 (0)

6. Alexey Slepov +26,2 (1)