Elena Vyalbe, president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, welcomed Bolshunov’s decision to take part in the Sudtirol Moonlight Classic in Italy, noting that the skier continues to train and compete as part of the national program and sees the race as a step toward stronger performances in national events.
Vyalbe said Bolshunov trains and competes with the same intensity as before while preparing for the Russian Championship. He will participate in this race to sharpen his form for future national contests, and there is no reason to pass up such an opportunity. At the moment Bolshunov feels well, and that confidence is reflected in his ongoing preparation.
Bolshunov is listed among the entrants for the international race, with the 30-kilometer course set in the Trentino-Alto Adige region in Northern Italy. The event is scheduled to take place on February 13, a date that keeps Bolshunov active on the European circuit and strengthens his readiness for upcoming competitions on home soil.
Bolshunov reportedly faced health problems on January 15 but still competed at the Kazan stage of the Russian Cup, held from January 16 to 19. His participation despite the setback underscored his commitment to maintaining competitive momentum during the winter season.
On January 19, Bolshunov finished 23rd in the skiathlon at the fifth stage of the Russian Cup in Kazan. He had a fall about a kilometer from the finish and completed the remaining distance on foot, continuing to ski along the long course. By the end of the race, tensions surfaced as he exchanged sharp words with another competitor, reflecting the high-pressure environment of domestic racing.
Like many Russian skiers, Bolshunov faced restrictions that limited participation in the final World Cup races of the season. He concluded the year with solid results in national competition, and in the 2023/24 season he celebrated a remarkable run of 23 consecutive wins within Russian events, illustrating the depth and resilience of the national program.
A foreign journalist had previously suggested that Bolshunov had grown tired of Russia and its leadership, including Vyalbe. Those claims were noted in the broader coverage, while Bolshunov’s team reaffirmed commitment to the Russian program and to continued involvement in both domestic and international events.
The Sudtirol Moonlight Classic in Italy serves as a bridge between solid domestic preparation and European competition, offering Bolshunov a platform to demonstrate form ahead of peak winter performances. The broader context shows the skier balancing health, competition, and national duties, with the federation emphasizing ongoing support and strategic planning to maintain competitiveness on multiple stages.