The Latvian biathlon national coach Ilmars Bricis resigned after the scandal at the World Cup in Lenzerheide. The Latvian biathlon association informed about this on Wednesday (February 26, 2025).
This was preceded by serious allegations by Andrejs Rastorgujevs. The 36-year-old had explained in a TV interview that his assistant coach had attacked him. “He struck me and broke my finger. I think my shoulder is pretty hurt too.“
Rastorgujevs ended season
The dispute had occurred because Brici’s allegedly wanted to steal the World Cup second in the mass start in 2024. Rastorgujevs, who ran four times on the World Cup podium in his career, threatened with his end of his career if Bricis should not resign from his coaching office. As the Latvian Association announced, Rastorgujevs will not continue the current season for health reasons.
The association also announced that the conflict parties are negotiating a possible solution to the situation. In addition, all members of the Latvian team should submit explanations to the incident. The aim is to ensure the further participation of the Latvian biathlon team in competitions at all levels in the current and next season.
Bricis rejects theft accusation
Before his resignation, Bricis had defended himself against the allegations and declared that it was not he, but a hotel employee, had been caught trying theft. Rastorgujevs then reproached Bricis. Meanwhile, the assistant’s son was in the room, so Bricis asked the biathletes to go to the biathletes according to his own statements. The dispute was then escalated.
“We didn’t go that far to beat ourselves, but we definitely fought. We are not a boxer“In his view, Bricis described the situation. The whole thing is said to have taken place after the final start of the mass of the biathlon World Cup in Lenzerheide.