Russia’s biggest ski star is losing one of its main supporters.
Alexander Bolshunov celebrated three Olympic golds in Beijing with Rossignol instruments. PASSI FLAME
Ski brand Rossignol has severed a partnership with ski superstar Alexander Bolshunov with.
According to the Swiss newspaper Blick In addition to the ski brand, Bolshunov, who won three Olympic gold medals in Beijing, will also lose the support of pole manufacturer Swix and glove brand Kinetixx.
The reason is Bolshunov’s appearance as President of Russia Vladimir Putin in a propaganda support concert in support of hostilities in Ukraine. Bolshunov performed on stage with Putin, who led the war in Russia.
In addition, Bolshunov shared a picture that was later removed from Instagram, in which he posed wearing a Soviet-era race outfit.
– Everyone formulates the story in a way that suits them. Those who want to make this an incomprehensible thing will do the same in other situations. I am not surprised, Bolshunov commented recently.
No tools
Bolshunov does not currently have the tools for the upcoming competition season. Foreign manufacturers do not want to deal with the Russians. Exceptions to this may be Atomic and Salomon, which are now Chinese-owned.
Ski shortages are not a concern in the Russian camp.
– No problem. Sasha (Bolshunov’s nickname) just got a lot of new skis, so she can handle these for a long time, coach Yuri Borodavko told Blick.
A total of five Olympic medals (3–1–1) from Bolshunov, who bought from Beijing, the need for skis may be low in the coming competition season. The International Ski Federation (FIS) kicked Russian athletes out of action last spring. Unless the decision is overturned, the Russians will not be seen at the World Cup or World Cup next season.