– It happened so fast that I don’t understand what happened, says Ustyugov to the TV channel Sportivnyj. The Russians are banned from the World Cup, and therefore compete nationally this winter. There, it has at times been heated between the two biggest stars. On Tuesday, Ustyugov held the inside turn down from a hilltop, side by side with Bolshunov. When they were about to accelerate out of the turn, both were lying face down in the snow. OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS: Aleksandr Bolshunov and Sergey Ustyugov won gold in the relay together in Beijing. Photo: Tore Meek / NTB – Swearing at me – He swore at me when we went downstairs. I thought everything was according to the rules, but I’m not sure, says Ustjugov – and believes it is necessary to see the replays of the incident to determine guilt. The tall Russian adds: – I have passed that place with quite a lot of clearance, but Aleksandr pushed me out. I didn’t want to hold the inside because it was icy. He does not get approval from the competitor. Bolshunov puts all the blame on Ustyugov: – Everything is fine with me, it is only Sergej who apparently cannot let go of the situation. Over the top I was first, then Sergej wanted to pass, but my shoes were faster, Bolsjunov explains to MatchTV. Bruised He is visibly bruised and has several bloody wounds on his face as he tells about the situation. – I started to slide past on the left and then he cut across my skis, which caused me to fall. I lost consciousness a bit after hitting my head quite hard. It was terribly boring. The race was won by Olympic bronze medalist from the sprint, Aleksandr Terentjev. BLOODY WOUNDS: Bolshunov was clearly bruised after the incident. Photo: Annika Byrde / NTB It’s only been a couple of days since the last clash between the two stars, who last winter became Olympic champions together in the relay. Bolshunov jumped into the groove ahead of Ustyugov not just once, but twice and three times in the classic sprint. The latter was robbed of all speed and had to settle for third place. He responded by raging at his compatriot – and gave a clear message to Bolshunov after the finish line that it was dirty play. The jury agreed. The victory stood, but Bolshunov received a warning. – We haven’t spoken since Sunday, and today we just said “hello”, admits Bolshunov.
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Ice front between Russia’s stars – Bolshunov bloody bruised after clash – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
