Polkhovsky responded to criticism of the choice of the place for the preparation of Russian biathletes for the World Cup – Biathlon News – 02/16/2021

Russian biathletes were left without medals in the first five races of the tournament. Experts have suggested that the Russian team was mistaken in the place of preparation for the tournament. She trained for more than two weeks in the mountains of Slovenian Pokljuka, the site of the World Cup. The senior coach of the Russian women’s national team Mikhail Shashilov noted that he would like to hold a training camp in Antholz (Italy).

–

“We were in a hurry to draw conclusions, this could not be done. The championship is long, so everyone should have the same attitude – to work for the result. Why panic? This should not be done, because athletes quickly absorb all this and begin to offer other options. You need to follow the intended path, there is nothing terrible. All the coaches are strong in mountain training, so I think that haste has been shown so far, ”said Polkhovsky.

–

“Such a performance cannot be explained only by being here [перед чемпионатом мира]… There is no need to panic, I and the athletes are determined to continue fighting. There are many races ahead, ”he said.

–

Polkhovsky drew attention to the fact that the choice of Pokljuka as a training site did not prevent other teams from showing good results at the start of the tournament. He believes that the main reason for the poor performance of Russian athletes is poor shooting.

–

“We don’t have a single zero [в стрельбе], that’s what you need to work on and what to think about, – said the head coach. – We need to consult with athletes, communicate, suggest options for how to improve the situation. We skated here for 16 days, but some in interviews say that they could not work out. Well, whose problem is it that you couldn’t work out? What were you doing then: lying on the couch? Therefore, coaches should still discuss with the athlete. Indeed, a lot of work has been done. “

–