Italy named the reason for the absence of the Russian flag from Bolshunov at the race

The organizers of the Sudtirol Moonlight Classic race in Italy named the reason why they removed the Russian flag from the protocol opposite the name of three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov. This is reported by TASS on February 17.

"We did not publish the Russian flag in order not to give a reason for criticism and new discussions. Thus, the athlete was able to start without any inconvenience," the organizers noted.

Alexander Bolshunov is 28 years old. He is a three-time Olympic champion, four-time silver and two-time bronze medalist of the Olympics. He became world champion once, six times silver medalist of the world championships, once - bronze.

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Earlier, on February 13, Alexander Bolshunov won the Sudtirol Moonlight Classic race in Italy at a distance of 30 km in classic style. The Russian overcame the distance in 1 hour 18 min. 56.2 seconds. Thanks to his victory, Bolshunov earned €2,000 in prize money.