Norwegian expert Petter Soleng Skinstad talked about his attitude towards the numerous victories of Russian skier Alexander Bolshunov at the 2024 Spartakiad. His words are quoted Nettavisen.
“To be honest, it’s hard for me to take these competitions seriously. They organize something like the World Cup, they organize something like the World Championship. “From what I know, it’s quite possible that Bolshunov’s victory was pre-planned,” Skinstad said.
In Spartakiad Bolshunov won five races. He came first in the 50 km classical style marathon, classical sprint, skiathlon, time trial and freestyle team sprint races. Bolshunov has not lost in individual races since March 26, 2023.
Bolshunov won the World Cup twice and won the Tour de Ski. At the Olympic Games in Beijing, the Russian won five medals, including three gold. He was the flag bearer of the Russian team at the closing ceremony of the games.
Bolshunov, like all Russian skiers, was suspended from participating in the last World Cup races and finished the 2021/22 season early, finishing second in the overall World Cup standings.
Previously Bolshunov explained Winning the marathon by isolating “dangerous areas”.