the Mens’ relay podium, Gold for France, Silver for Russia and Bronze for for Kazakhstan
Gold For Russia and France
ERZURUM – February 2nd- Cross Country Relay
There could be no doubt that the Russian team would monopolize the relays, both men’s and women’s, so the only question was what countries would take the other steps on the podiums. With 15 km to run for the women, five in classical style and 10 in freestyle, the team of Svetlana Bochkareva (classical), Yana Yanovskaya (freestyle) and Alia Iksanova (freestyle) took the day. The skirmish was going on behind them with an all-out fight between three countries: Ukraine, France and Poland. Ukraine won the silver and France bronze, thanks to the Pauline Caprini’s superb performance.
There was a wonderful battle for the men, too, who raced 2 x 10 km classical style and 2 x 10 km freestyle; with the Russians ahead, of course but fighting elbow to elbow with the Frenchs. Team France took the lead after the third relay and gained the Gold Medal with only one second of advantage!
Kazakhstan came in third.
(Y. Dufour, FISU Editor)
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