One million euros to start in Russia

Johannes Høsflot Klæbo is also an absolute superstar in Russia. On average, 1,5 million Russians watch a cross-country skiing World Cup in front of their screens. In recent years, the Norwegian has been competing with his Russian competitor Alexander Bolshunov, who is the same age, for the overall World Cup and for the title of the best cross-country skier of his generation.

For example, the incident at the finish sprint of the 50 kilometer mass start at the World Championships in Oberstdorf, in which both runners collided in the finish curve, will never be forgotten. Bolshunov's stick broke and Klæbo was subsequently disqualified after the end of the race after a Russian protest. It is no secret that the two dominant nations in the men's area of cross-country skiing have always been dueling each other and have not always had a positive attitude towards each other in recent years. Athletes from both nations couldn't help but take a swipe at each other off the trail.

Gentle waddle for Klæbo by Sergei Ustiugov at the 2019 World Cup. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

Duels like Petter Northug against Alexander Legkov, Finn Hagen Krogh against Sergei Ustiugov or currently Klæbo against Bolshunov inspire the crowds of both countries. The Russian 2006 Olympic champion Jevgeni Dementiev wants to take advantage of this attention and is looking for ways for the Norwegians to still be able to compete against the Russians next winter.

“The chances of a quick return to international sport are slim. Why can’t Russian winter athletes start under a neutral flag, as is possible in summer sports?” Dementiev complained. His goal now is to create his own “Russian World Cup”: “One possibility would be to set up a league system like in ice hockey. In order to be successful, we have to make it attractive for foreign athletes to want to come to Russia.” In order to guide Klæbo to Russia, Dementiev wants to raise a million euros. “A million will change his attitude towards Russia!” Dementiev is certain. Klæbo should ensure a spectacle at the Russian World Cup in the future - whether this will actually happen is anyone's guess.

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One million euros to start in Russia

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