Bolshunov wins "Val Müstair Trophy", Manificat back on podium
Jan 03, 2021·Cross-Country
With a margin of one minute, Alexander Bolshunov (RUS) headed into the third stage of this years Tour de Ski at the 15km F Pursuit in Val Müstair. A remarkable gap, which the Russian managed to keep throughout the 4 laps. Second out of the start gate was Artem Maltsev (RUS) who was being chased after 10 seconds by Oskar Svensson (SWE), Dario Cologna (SUI), Ivan Yakimushkin (RUS) and Federico Pellegrino (ITA).
Only Cologna managed to stay behind Maltsev in the first half of the race and shortened the gap to Bolshunov by 10 seconds. As this effort cost energy it was the chasing group’s task to make a move. Maltsev pulled out as Cologna fell back and made way to the upcoming group led by Maurice “Momo” Manificat (FRA) who originally started in 7th position, 1:36 minutes behind Bolshunov. In the meantime he gained 20 seconds and was the pace setter for the group with Yakimushkin and Denis Spitsov (RUS). Manificat defended his position until the finish and was rewarded with the last remaining spot on the podium.
Denis Spitsov (RUS) raced the fastest time of the day which leads him to the fourth rank in the Tour Overall standing.
Top-10 check
Clement Parisse (FRA) finishes today's 15km F in a fantastic 7th rank and leads a strong table of French athletes that follow on rank 9 with Jean-Marc Gaillard, rank 10 with Adrien Backscheider and rank 11 with Hugo Lapalus.
