Alexander Bolshunov (RUS) will not race the sprint at the 2022 Olympics after withdrawing from the competition last minute.

After winning the men’s 30-kilometer skiathlon at the Beijing Olympics by a landslide on Sunday, Russia’s Alexander Bolshunov has decided to sit out the sprint race today. 

According to his coach, the 25-year-old still needs to recover from the exhausting opening event on Sunday. He doesn’t want to jeopardize his chances for the upcoming distance races and sits out the sprint. 

“Bolshunov has really tangible chances not just for a medal, but for winning the next race, which will take place in two days. It will be a hard race, 15 kilometers individual start. At altitude, recovery is slowed down, and a sprint race is a hard effort. (Bolshunov) now save his energy for the 15-kilometer race.” says Russian commentator Alexander Panzhinsky to Championat.

Who will win the sprint race at the Olympics? ProXCskiing.com has analyzed the start lists. 

Bolshunov’s coach Yuri Borodavko says it was Bolshunov who asked to sit out the sprint. 

“It was Sasha’s initiative. He convinced me. His victory in the 30-kilometer may have looked easy, but it wasn’t like that. Nothing is easy at altitude, Borodavko says. 

Bolshunov’s withdrawal leaves the Russians with only three racers in the sprint: Alexander Terentev, Sergey Ustiugov and Artem Maltsev. Maltsev finished eighth in the 30km skiathlon.  

The sprint takes place today, February 8. Qualifiers start at 9am, while the heats and finals start at 11:30. Start list, results and information is posted here. 

FACTS: 2022 OLYMPICS 
What: XXIV Olympic Winter Games (24th edition)
Beijing 2022 – All you need to know 
Where: Beijing, China
Biathlon, cross-country skiing and Nordic events will take place at the Zhangjiakou arena, situated at and above 1650 meters above sea level. 
When: February 4 to 20, 2022
What happens when: 
Complete schedule for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, all sports. 
Who: 53 cross-country teams compete at the 2022 Olympics, each fielding from 1 to 16 athletes. 
All the cross-country ski teams to the Beijing Winter Olympics 
How: Where to watch the Olympics – World Wide

Results, start lists and competition details for all events at the 2022 Beijing Olympics will be posted here

Beijing Olympics homepage