“Open competition creates high motivation among the athletes!”

The newly-appointed Chief of the Nordic Combined national team of Russia, Sergei Chervyakov knows Nordic Combined. Thirty years ago he was a successful Nordic Combined athlete, the participant of Olympic Games. In 1987, Chervyakov won a bronze medal in Oberstdorf in the team event of the World Championships. After the retirement, the specialist worked at sport school and initiated the Nordic Combined career of Stefaniya Nadymova. In TUESDAY TALK, he speaks about the new structure of the team, the training process and what the opening of the Alpencup means for Russian athletes.

In the 2019/20 season, the national team of Russia didn’t have a head coach, so it was quite difficult to organize the training process and to ensure the participation of Russian athletes in the international competitions. Today the situation changed: you are responsible for all aspects of the team work. First of all, what have you changed in the team staff?

Sergei Chervyakov: We have compiled lists of national teams that were significantly different from those that had existed in recent years. We invited more young athletes whom we prepare for the new season. For example, talented Nordic Combined skier Vitaly Sharshavin got a place in the national team. But the names that you see on paper aren't the final list of the national team. If somebody of the guys who wasn't included in the roster shows high readiness, we will invite him to the team. This open competition creates a high motivation among the athletes.

This summer season is special. Many teams couldn't begin the training process till July. And when did you start the preparation for the new season?

Chervyakov: Due to Covid-19-related restrictions across the whole country, the start of the training season was delayed. But in early July, the team underwent a medical examination. A few days later, Ernest Yakhin, Vitaly Ivanov, Vitaly Sharshavin, Konstantin Abramov and Ivan Pronin went to the first training camp in Sochi. The athletes made their first jumps on the Ski Jumping hill "RusSki Gorki".  We also conducted a control training in 3000 meters running to identify the strengths and weaknesses of all athletes. We tried to diversify the program and included rowing in the list of exercises for balance and coordination.

Now we are at a high-altitude training camp near Sochi. Unfortunately, Konstantin Abramov was injured and Ivan Pronin is experiencing financial difficulties, so both atletes weren't able to join the team. But Vitaly Ivanov, who celebrated his wedding on August, 13, came to the training camp immediately.

What were your first impressions of the athletes?

Chervyakov: I like to work with these guys, they are ready to perform the assigned tasks. I would like to commend Ernest Yahin, who shows very long jumps. Despite the influence of high-altitude trainings, he jumped on 105 meters on the normal Ski Jumping hill right now in Sochi. He is perfectly prepared, both physically and mentally.

Vitaly Sharshavin is the best on the track and the second on the hill. This summer’s training process has been quite difficult for Vitaly Ivanov, but this is a consequence of his injury and the forced pause.

What's about competitions this autumn?

Chervyakov: All stages of the Cup of Russia have been cancelled for this summer season. But we hope to hold the Russian Championships here, in Sochi, where we will see all the guys.

Which goals have you set for the team?

Chervyakov: There isn't much time left before the Olympic Games in Beijing, if everything goes on schedule. The main goal of the team is to earn two Olympic licenses. I think it's a real goal and we will manage to achieve it.

What do you think about latest news from the Alpen Cup, which opened for athletes from all nations, so also the Russian juniors will be able to compete in these important international competitions as well.

Chervyakov: We have long sought to participate there and give a chance to our young athletes. And I would like to note, our Russian children usually look quite well in the FIS Youth Cup events. We didn't lose so much to peers from other countries, we were even on the podium. And now, the juniors will also be able to measure their strength with their peers. The preparation for events like the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships will be more equal for all teams. So, this is great news!

Interview & translation: Anastasia Shuhova