Russian skier believes that in the absence of suspended Russians, Johannes Klebo will have no competitors in the upcoming season
Alexander Bolshunov
(Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Three-time Olympic champion in cross-country skiing Alexander Bolshunov said that following the removal of the Russians, the Norwegian Johannes Klebo can be given all the titles in the upcoming season, informs Norwegian TV channel TV2.
Klebo won three races at the first round of the World Cup in Ruka (Finland).
On Sunday, Bolshunov wrote to the journalist of the TV channel in Norwegian: “I think that we can immediately hand him all the medals of the World Championship and tell him that I congratulate him on the Big Crystal Globe.”
Klebo called the message of the Russian “a little unexpected.”
“As an athlete, I am embarrassed that the best, including Bolshunov, do not participate in starts, but in the current situation this is impossible,” Klebo said.
Russian athletes have been suspended from competitions under the auspices of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) since March, at the end of October the suspension was extended for the upcoming season.
For Russian skiers there will be organized alternative competition.
Klebo is a five-time Olympic champion, six-time world champion.