Markus Cramer coached stars in the Russian national team. Now he misses his friends.
– I’m really sad, ski coach Marcus Cramer says.
The German Cramer coached the Russian national skiing team for seven years. He piloted, among other things By Sergei Ustyugov world champion.
Russia’s skiing boss at the Beijing Olympics Jelena Välbe spoke of an almost certain four-year contract extension. Everything vanished into thin air when Russia invaded Ukraine just days after the Olympics ended.
– The shit started right after the Olympics. Everything happened quickly, Cramer sighs.
Markus Cramer currently coaches the Italian national team. PASI LEISMA
– At first, everyone said that the situation would be over in maybe a month. When the month had passed, I spoke with Välbe. He said he doesn’t know what will happen in the future. I also couldn’t work while waiting.
As Russia’s coach, Cramer spent at least 250 days of the year on the national team’s trip. He and the athletes became close.
It was a shock when the job stopped suddenly.
– The coaching group was like my second family. It is still difficult to understand what has happened. My time in Russia was good for me.
– For me, it’s about friends and my former athletes. It’s not about Russian politics. That’s a completely different matter.
“No one wanted war”
Sergei Ustyugov trusts Cramer like a mountain. Pasi Liesimaa
Cramer communicates almost daily with Sergei Ustyugov. The close relationship between the two is indicated by the fact that the Olympic champion does not agree to train under anyone other than Cramer.
Luotsi made training plans for Ustjugov, who was left out of the national team, before the season.
– Sergei thought about ending his career, but luckily he continued. He texts me every day about the weather, news from others and anything.
According to Cramer, there are many training centers in Russia where the national skiing team holds camps lasting two to three weeks. At the moment, the skiers are training in Siberia at 25 degrees below zero.
During the season, there are only Russian Cup competitions ahead.
– It’s a big problem for athletes’ motivation. No one wanted this war. The situation is crazy.
The German coach considers it problematic for cross-country skiing that Russians are not allowed to participate in international competitions. At the same time, he states that letting the Russians into the World Cup is not a good solution.
– The sport needs Russians. In Ruka, four Norwegians were at the top in the men’s sprint. Nobody in Central Europe is interested in this kind of thing. There we turn off the TV.
– On the other hand, there are a lot of idiots around the world. I don’t think Russian athletes are safe.
For retirement
Cramer piloted Russia for seven years. Pasi Liesimaa
Cramer got a new job with the Italian national skiing team for this season.
He works as the head coach of the A national team, but also makes the training plans for the B national team and the junior national team.
– The main goal is to develop young people for the 2026 Olympics and to get more enthusiasts. I like this job. We get good support from the federation, and the athletes are motivated.
Cramer’s contract runs until 2026, when Italy will host the Winter Olympics. After the Games, the plans are clear.
– Then I will retire. I will be 64 years old then.