The first start of the 18th USIC World Championship Cross-Country became truly Russian – the first six places in 15 km classic technique race were conquered by our sportsmen.

As the organizers of the event apprehended, they didn’t manage to carry out 30 km start on December 16. By Wednesday the frost had become milder but the athletes still weren’t allowed to be on the course. Therefore captains’ meeting decided to shorten the distance in half.
Russian sportsmen showed good rate right away – Artem Zhmurko and Alexander Bessmertnykh immediately became at the head. Dmitry Derbin caught up with them, and after half an hour they reached the finish.

– We were running as far as possible, so to say, without hesitating, – World Champion Artem Zhmurko shared his impressions after the race. – At the beginning I couldn’t make away from the guys following me. I had strength, but I decided to quicken later. I felt myself stronger than they were, therefore I had no doubts about my final success. As for our foreign guests, they didn’t manage to create a real struggle on the course.  Now I’m waiting for the relay on Saturday. Believe me, our National team will do everything possible to take gold medals.

Only Norwegian athletes tried to compete seriously as they didn’t let the Russians run far away. But it the end even they dropped behind. There was one minute and a half between Vitalij Chernov, who finished the sixth, and Arne Moholdt finished the seventh. Representatives from Finland and Norway reached the finish line a little bit later. An athlete from France closed the top ten.

– There’s only one reason for it: the season is just starting, we have recently begun our training, – said charming Helene Forticaux, the leader of French delegation. – So, we came to this World Championship far from being in good shape. But, of course, we will struggle…
– How do you like Russian snow?
– It appeared to be cold and tough. Telling the truth, we are used to higher temperatures when skies glide better.
– A fragile charming lady – and the leader of cross-country men team. It’s a surprise.
– Of course, only men participate in this World Championship, but in general both men and women love ski sport. Ladies as well as men take part in French Championship. It is used to being carried out in Paris, the course stretches along the Seine embankment. As for me, I like ski sport very much, and I seem to know a lot about it. In addition, I’ve been working for French National railway for 27 years: I began as a controller, and now I’m Chief of TGV Directorate. Also I am a member of Railway Sports Association Presidium of my country. That’s why I came to Russia as the leader of our delegation.

– More than quarter of a century working for the railway… In our country you would be given a title of honorary railway woman.
– It would be nice! (smiling) I’ve been working for the railway for a long time, but, believe me, it is more honorable that I got a chance to work in this sphere.
– Who finance development of French railwaymen sport movement?  
– National railway. They give money to special committees created on the basis of labour unions. And these committees take care of social life of railway men and their children. But unfortunately, these sums haven’t been increased since previous 15 years.
– What kinds of sport does French Railway Sports Association develop besides skiing?
– Oh! There are a lot of, 27! Football, rugby, volleyball, handball, basketball, athletics, golf, judo, karate…
– The job of railwaymen is known to be hard. What do you think where your charges take desire and strength to read, sing, go in for sport?
– It’s a real phenomenon. I think its mystery is that railway men are used to keep everything in order and they could organize themselves.  

– Have you expected Russian 30°C frost?
– Both no and yes. I’ve recently been to Finland which located on the same meridian as Yaroslavl region. It’s cold there too, but still we hoped that temperature wouldn’t be lower than 20°C. We will try to bear any surprises of your weather. We were cordially welcomed to Demino, and now we constantly feel sincere care. As for the Opening ceremony which included folk songs and dances, it has left an impression of real joy and fun!  

– By the way, do you like your trip by a Russian train?

– It was really wonderful! But, to tell the truth, at the beginning there were some problems with placing our baggage for it was so bulky! But then everything was all right. There were a lot of nice people around us. An old woman was sitting in front of me. We couldn’t speak to each other, but we were smiling all the time. When she was going to get out of the train our guys helped her with her luggage. You know, when I saw some movies about your country I always wanted to visit it. And now my dream has come true! Now I know that you should come here wearing really warm clothes!

Andrei Melnikov,
special correspondent of the “Gudok”
Rybinsk