Icon: enlarge
The sprint to the finish between Alexander Bolschunow (left) and Joni Mäki had consequences
Photo:
Markku Ulander / dpa
The Russian star cross-country skier Alexander Bolschunow caused a scandal at the World Cup in Lahti, Finland.
The last runner hit Joni Mäki from Finland with his fist in the sprint finish of the relay race, then after the finish line he rammed Mäki to the ground at full speed.
Apparently, Bolshunov had allowed himself to be provoked in the finish sprint by Mäki's running style, in which he had lost his balance.
The third-placed Russian team was disqualified for the failure of the overall World Cup leader.
The second Russian relay team moved onto the podium.
Norway won ahead of Finland.
German team follows
The German team took fourth place in the line-up of Jonas Dobler, Janosch Brugger, Florian Notz and Friedrich Moch.
The German cross-country skiers had previously taken sixth place in Lahti.
The Norwegians also took the win with Therese Johaug.
The top nations started with their best runners for the Nordic World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf, which started in one month.
That is why the World Cup in Lahti was considered a dress rehearsal.
There could be a Norwegian festival in Oberstdorf: The team celebrated its comeback in Lahti after taking a two-month break due to the corona pandemic.
In the individual races on Saturday, the Norwegians impressed with a quadruple victory for the men and a triple victory for the women.
Icon: The mirror
hba / sid / dpa