Aleksandr Bolšunov to Compete Abroad for the First Time in Three Years – Russian ‘Cleanliness’ Leaves Rivals Deep in Thought

Aleksandr Bolšunov will take part in an international race on Thursday for the first time in nearly three years. The competition, held at Italy’s Seiser Alm, is the Sudritol Moonlight Classic – a unique event that is not governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS). Finnish cross-country skier Heli Heiskanen will also compete in this Ski Classic event over a long distance (either 15 or 30 kilometers) using the classical technique.

Bolšunov’s return to international competition comes amid much discussion in the skiing world, as he has previously been noted for his support of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His Russian teammates have been largely absent from international contests since spring 2022 due to the suspension following the war in Ukraine. Recent reports indicate training sessions in the Passo di Lavaz area, where other Russian athletes such as Saveli Korostelev, Sergei Volkov, and Darja Neprajeva have also been seen. Russia’s national team coach, Igor Sorin, has mentioned preparations for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in these conditions.

The article also highlights the unique nature of the event – which is held late at night along a 2,000 meter course with headlamps and flaming torches lining the route. Finnish athlete Heli Heiskanen, who has been using a headlamp in training, expresses both excitement and a touch of concern about not losing the route. The event features notable competitors including two-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist Justyna Kowalczyk, and last year’s men’s 50 km bronze medallist, Tor Asle Gjerdalen of Norway.

Additionally, the piece touches on the subject of doping tests and the uncertainty surrounding the training environment of the Russian team during their period at home. With Bolšunov’s participation sparking debate on social media over his past support of Putin, questions have been raised about the protocols for doping testing given the Russians’ long absence from international races. Renowned Norwegian skiing expert Petter Skinstad predicts that Bolšunov is likely to win the Italian race, emphasizing the competitive mentality of top athletes who always aim for the top places.

Notably, Bolšunov is remembered as a formidable rival to Iivo Niskanen, another elite cross-country skier, from their contest at the 2022 Winter Olympics combined events where Niskanen clinched bronze and Bolšunov celebrated gold.