Bolshunov puts the hammer down and wins Olympic Gold
Feb 06, 2022·Cross-Country
With an incredible margin of 1:11 minute, Alexander Bolshunov (ROC) won his maiden Olympic Gold Medal at todays Skiathlon around the Olympic course track at Zhangjiakou. It is the biggest margin ever achieved in Men’s Skiathlon at the Olympic Winter Games.
For the 25 year-old, the victory did not come easy, looking at the past few months in preparation to the Games. Injuries and a Covid infection had set back last seasons Overall and Distance World Cup leader throughout summer. But the final preparation phase got him back up on track.
Iivo Niskanen (FIN) took over the charge as the starters left off into the first laps in Classic technique. The Olympic Champion in 50km C of PyoengChang 2018 kept his head start which ensured him a comfortable gap as the group changed to Free technique. However, Denis Spitsov (ROC) approached vastly soon after the change and Niskanen had to let him pass.
The remaining three laps in Free technique, all three podium finishers had to ski at their own pace without anyone along their side. Alexander Bolshunov crossed the finish line after 1:16.09, followed by Denis Spitsov +1:11 and Iivo Niskanen +2:00.
Hans Christer Holund (NOR) who gained some pace in the final stretches, managed to approach third placed Iivo Niskanen but finished 30 seconds off the podium.
