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Faster than the Norwegians: Bolschunow wins World Cup gold
Photo: KAI PFAFFENBACH / REUTERS
The Russian Alexander Bolschunow prevailed against five Norwegians in the World Cup skiathlon in Oberstdorf and won the gold medal over 30 kilometers.
After seven silver medals at major events, it was the first world title for the top favorite.
The 24-year-old cross-country skier distanced the competition in the last 500 meters and was world champion ahead of the Norwegians Simen Hegstad Krüger and Hans Christer Holund.
Previously, Bolschunow had already outstripped the trio Johannes Kläbo, Emil Iversen and Sjur Roethe with his high speed.
Bolshunov had only been sentenced to a suspended sentence by the disciplinary chamber of the world association FIS on Friday for unsportsmanlike conduct after he struck down the Finn Jona Mäki with a body check at the relay in Lahti at the end of January.
Bolsunov had denied intent.
The German cross-country skiers had nothing to do with the outcome of the race.
Lucas Bögl was ranked 29th, Jonas Dobler was 36th and Friedrich Moch was 38th.
Before that, the women's skiathlon over 15 kilometers had also been disappointing for the German selection of coach Peter Schlickenrieder.
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mjm / sid / dpa
