Babikov and Tsvetkov: double triumph in Östersund! Barnashov about Babikov’s victory and Tsvetkov’s silver in the pursuit race. Where is Anton Shipulin?

All events on December 4 at the Biathlon World Cup in Ostersund. News, Interesting Facts, chips of the day and photos in our chronicle.

Fourcade is tired of loneliness

The starting positions of Anton Babikov and Maxim Tsvetkov indicated that they only needed accurate shooting to stake their claim to the title from the very beginning. high places. And our guys approached the first firing line in a large group together with their opponents. Martin Fourcade, who started first, approached the first prone stage with an advantage of almost a minute over the others.

It seems that he was so tired of being alone on the track that he decided to add some intrigue to the race. Three quick and accurate shots in a row, and then... two misses.

Martin went to do penalty loops and gave a chance to those who shot accurately. Several biathletes, including Russians, took advantage of this chance. Babikov, Tsvetkov, Eliseev and Shipulin closed all targets.

Babikov rose to second place and rushed after Fourcade with an eight-second gap, Tsvetkov, along with several other biathletes, rushed after Babikov, and Shipulin rose from 28th place to 17th. As for Dmitry Malyshko and Evgeniy Garanichev, they made some mistakes and rolled back to the very tail of the peloton.

Aligned with the leader

It seemed that Fourcade Jr. would definitely ride away from his rivals after this, showing his strength. Martin drove off, as expected. But what turned out to be unexpected was that Babikov’s legs would not be inferior to the strongest biathlete in the world recent years. Perhaps Fourcade slowed down a little to be more reliable in shooting. But the fact is that he not only didn’t fall behind, but almost caught up with the Frenchman.

In any case, they started shooting almost simultaneously. And almost simultaneously it was finished, quickly and accurately. The Russian's gap was only 5.5 seconds. Tsvetkov, who moved to third place, and Shipulin, who rose to the top ten, did an excellent job shooting. At this moment, hope crept in: could the black streak of 25 races really be broken? Three Russians competed for prizes.

But there were two more firing lines ahead.

Shipulin was in a hurry and lost

And the very first “stand” almost killed these hopes. Babikov, in pursuit of Fourcade, faltered a little and made one mistake, but the Frenchman was again accurate and fast. But the young Russian biathlete, even with this mistake, remained second, and rushed close behind him to the last line. The two Russians were separated by less than two seconds, and they were just under forty seconds behind Martin.

Unfortunately, the third milestone eliminated Anton Shipulin from the list of contenders for the awards. He ran the segment to the shooting range very powerfully, moved to fourth place, but shooting... Three misses - and goodbye, medal. But happiness was indeed close and possible, judging by Shipulin’s speed - not only on the ski track, but also on the shooting range. The last firing line only proved this.

Russian double, French misses

Shipulin performed the last “stand” cleanly and ultimately took eighth place. But all this happened after key events took place at the Östersund shooting range. Fourcade, as at the first shooting, arrived at the stadium completely alone, and again it seemed boring to him. Again two mistakes, and these mistakes could have cost him very dearly.

Everything depended only on the accuracy of Babikov and Tsvetkov. And they did not disappoint! Anton and Maxim closed all the targets and ran to their medals. The answer to the question of which could only be given by the finish. Moreover, Fourcade was only 10 seconds behind. Is this a handicap for one of the best runners in biathlon history?

But Fourcade could not catch up with our guys. Babikov, who proved during the race that today he was not inferior to the Frenchman in speed, even surpassed him in the last segment. And Tsvetkov, who let Martin come within two seconds, managed to defend second place. This was the coolest finish performed by Russian biathletes over the past two seasons.

Pavel Kopachev and Vyacheslav Sambur - about best race of the year.

In March, when the Russian team was in agony at the World Championships in Holmenkollen (0 medals), many were surprised: why hadn’t they noticed Babikov before? Why wasn't he given a chance?

“He has the texture of Fourcade’s body,” exclaimed the two-time Olympic champion Anatoly Alyabyev. – It was created for contact racing! If Anton is rolled out for at least half a season, the result will definitely come.

As Alyabyev felt, it didn’t even take a month. And speaking in terms of numbers: only 11 races in the World Cup!

However, against the background of his peers - Pechenkin, Tsvetkov - 25-year-old Babikov never looked like a nugget. Yes, good physical data - but I didn’t always accelerate my body weight. Yes, he shot consistently - but to zero, and at decisive moments... But Anton is one of those athletes who, over the years, not only opens up, but also gets wiser.

– Do you know what Babikov is remembered for? – our honored coach greets our call Nikolay Lopukhov. – He runs a 3-kilometer cross-country race at the stadium in 9 minutes. Of the biathletes, only Lesha Slepov can boast of this. And this is an indicator: the guy is a functional runner! Previously, not a single summer period passed without tempo work at the stadium. And now, I know, both Gross and Padin returned this important point V training process. Several times over the summer they test the guys and analyze their condition. And there is a result: today Babikov walked the distance very easily and harmoniously. I have gained in all components – in function, in strength, and in swing inertia. But the main thing is that he has matured; I'm so pleased to listen to his interview live. He speaks calmly and deliberately - well done, man!

There really aren’t many victories on Anton’s resume. In fact, gold in the pursuit at the 2016 European Championships is the main award; there, together with Victoria Slivko, he won the single mixed doubles. Then they started talking about Babikov seriously and even took him to the World Championships.

In Holmenkollen, he certainly didn’t spoil the impression: he ran three individual races (23, 21 and 16 places) and a relay (his own stage - very worthy for a debut). Considering that before this he was taken to the World Cup only 4 (!) times and was entrusted with only 5 (!) races, the result is quite workable.

Just imagine, there is a capable biathlete on the team who wins the World Cup on his 11th attempt! He was just waiting for his chance - until the coaches noticed him and believed in him (you know how they don’t like rotation in Russia). In the end, Dima Malyshko has been expected to reach the podium for two years now, and Anton has shot at his first full season. At the very first stage of this season.

Today's double podium is like a return to the days of the Lopukhov-Gerbulov team. Then at each stage, either Shipulin, then Malyshko, then Ustyugov, then Lapshin, then Garanichev, then even Makoveev fired. Everyone was ready.

In Östersund, in the pursuit race, even Martin Fourcade gave up under the pressure of the young Russians: approaching the final standing as a leader, he waved twice. But Babikov and Tsvetkov were shot cleanly. Fourcade's chase turned out beautiful, but inconclusive.

Anton is the first, Maxim is the second.

And this is Tsvetkov’s second podium in his career. Maxim, having moved from Vologda, trained for 7 years in Moscow in the experimental group Sochi-14 (just under Lopukhov). And now it is also progressing.

“I have already congratulated Max,” says Lopukhov. “He’s great, he’s physically strong.” I would even say that the upper one was too pumped shoulder girdle. You need to be a little easier, do cyclic work, different swings... But the coaches will figure it out. When a team has capable and talented guys, it’s easy and pleasant to work with them!

You should find out

– last time Russian biathlete - not with the last name Shipulin - won the individual race at the World Cup 4 years ago (less than one month). On January 6, 2013, Dmitry Malyshko finished first in the Oberhof pursuit.

Since then, Evgeny Garanichev and Alexey Volkov, Evgeny Ustyugov and the same Malyshko, Maxim Tsvetkov and almost foreigner Timofey Lapshin, and Alexander Loginov have stopped by the podium. There were many winners, but all these years only Shipulin won.

- at the same time, January 6, 2013, the last victorious double of Russian biathletes happened: Garanichev was the first after Malyshko on that amazing evening.

And for the very, very last time, two of our guys stood on the podium January 11, 2015: mass start – silver for Shipulin, bronze for Malyshko.

– Östersund is not the happiest place for Russian biathletes. The last time we won the mixed relay here was November 25, 2012, and personal successes go back to the 2008 World Cup, when Maxim Chudov became the best in the sprint, and individual race Ekaterina Yuryeva won.

– Anton Babikov won his 11th World Cup race. Evgeny Redkin, who won his fifth start (also his debut at the Olympics), still remained stronger, but in the current lineup everyone lost to Babikov.

It took Malyshko almost three dozen attempts to win, Shipulin even a little more. Garanichev quickly completed the task - the 12th race brought gold. By the way, these examples clearly show that there is no direct connection between the time before the first victory and subsequent successes.

Malyshko’s condition in recent seasons is known to everyone. Garanichev cannot win a second time. But the long-suffering Shipulin is close to the absolute record for podiums and a clear second place in the number of victories in Russian history

On the street of long-suffering Russian biathlon fans - a small but very long-awaited holiday. In the final discipline of the first stage of the World Cup, which took place in Ostersund, Sweden,

On December 4, he won the men's 12.5 km pursuit race Anton Babikov, showing a result of 31.22.3 (1 miss). His compatriot finished second Maxim Tsvetkov, 10.5 seconds behind (0 misses). The third was a Frenchman Martin Fourcade, whose gap from the winner was 15.2 seconds (4 misses).

Why is this so important?

Winning one race at one stage of the World Cup is not God knows what an achievement for a country with a rich biathlon tradition. But for a country whose athletes not only did not win, but did not even get into the top three for 25(!) official races in a row, the result of Babikov and Tsvetkov is a real breakthrough.

The nightmare series of Russians lasted from February 2016, when Anton Shipulin became third in the pursuit race at the World Cup in American Presque Isle.

The first races of the 2016/2017 season were also depressing. Women's part Russian team managed to lose not only to leading athletes, but even to representatives of Japan. For men, the picture was a little brighter, but few people hoped for medals in the pursuit race.

Who are Anton Babikov and Maxim Tsvetkov?

Until December 4, 2016, 25-year-old Anton Babikov had three gold medals at the European Championship to his name. One was won in the 4x7.5 km relay in 2015, two more in 2016 in Tyumen, in the single mixed relay, as well as in the 12.5 km pursuit race.

Babikov made his debut at the World Cup in January 2015. In January 2016, he loudly announced himself for the first time, at the stage in Anterselva, after 31st place in the sprint, he rose to 7th in the pursuit race. Babikov achieved his first victory at the World Cup in his 11th race in this tournament - this is considered very rapid progress.

Anton Babikov. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

24-year-old Maxim Tsvetkov has been considered a rising star in biathlon since he was a junior. In 2011, at the World Championships for athletes under 19 years of age, the Russian won three gold medals. In 2012, at the World Championships for athletes under 21, Tsvetkov won twice.

Tsvetkov made his debut in the World Cup much earlier than Babikov - in 2013. In his first sprint race, he took 8th place, which made the fans optimistic.

Then, however, everything became more complicated. Since the 2014/2015 season, Tsvetkov began to be regularly included in the relay, and the team of biathletes became the winner of the World Cup stages three times. In individual races it turned out worse. It was only in January 2016 that Tsvetkov stood on the podium for the first time, taking 2nd place in the sprint race in Anterselva.

Maxim Tsvetkov. Photo: www.globallookpress.com

How did they do it?

In the sprint race, which determined the positions in the pursuit, Babikov and Tsvetkov were the best of the Russians, finishing in 7th and 10th places, respectively.

During the distance, Babikov showed a very good performance in “clean” skis, although he made one mistake. Tsvetkov shot perfectly, but was much weaker over the distance (19th result in “clean” skis). Such indicators were enough for both to be among the contenders for medals by the last shooting range. But not for victory - the race leader, Frenchman Martin Fourcade, had a solid advantage. The French biathlete could even make one mistake and remain in the lead. But Fourcade missed twice, and Babikov and Tsvetkov showed nerves of iron, thanks to which they left the stadium as leaders.

On the last lap, the Frenchman chased his rivals with all his might, but was only able to get a better look at the back of Tsvetkov, who finished second. At that moment, Babikov was already enjoying the victory over the finish line.

Where is Anton Shipulin?

The leader of the Russian team, in an interview before the opening stage of the World Cup, said that he did not like the races in Östersund because of its conditions. Shipulin fully justified these words, speaking unconvincingly.

In the sprint, for example, Shipulin finished in the third ten with two penalties.

True, in the pursuit race Anton showed that he does not intend to be an extra this season. He walked the distance well, and generally shot faster than anyone else at the shooting range. True, speed did not contribute to accuracy - three misses and, accordingly, three penalty loops.

Despite this, Shipulin managed to finish 8th, which, taking into account all the above circumstances, can be considered a satisfactory result.

What's next?

Legendary Norwegian Ole Einar Bjoerndalen in an interview with the Norwegian television channel NRK said: “The Russians have been good for several seasons, but last year they failed. Now they are coming back."

The nearest competitions should show how well the Norwegian’s words correspond to the real state of affairs. On December 9, the 2nd round of the World Cup starts in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Before the New Year, the 3rd stage will also take place, which will begin on December 15 in the Czech Nove Mesto.

Babikov and Tsvetkov, as well as Shipulin and other members of the men’s team will need to prove with action that what happened on December 4 is not an accident, but a pattern.

As for Russian women, I would like to wish them Have a good mood. You hang in there, girls.

Pavel Kopachev and Vyacheslav Sambur talk about the best race of the year.

In March, when the Russian team was in agony at the World Championships in Holmenkollen (0 medals), many were surprised: why hadn’t they noticed Babikov before? Why wasn't he given a chance?

“He has a Fourcadian body texture,” exclaimed the two-time Olympic champion Anatoly Alyabyev. - It is designed for contact racing! If Anton is rolled out for at least half a season, the result will definitely come.

As Alyabyev felt, it didn’t even take a month. And speaking in terms of numbers: only 11 races in the World Cup!

However, against the background of his peers - Pechenkin, Tsvetkov - 25-year-old Babikov never looked like a nugget. Yes, good physical data - but I didn’t always accelerate my body weight. Yes, he shot consistently - but to zero, and at decisive moments... But Anton is one of those athletes who not only opens up over the years, but also gets wiser.

Do you know what Babikov is remembered for? - our honored coach greets our call Nikolay Lopukhov. - He runs a 3-kilometer cross-country race at the stadium in 9 minutes. Of the biathletes, only Lesha Slepov can boast of this. And this is an indicator: the guy is a functional runner! Previously, not a single summer period passed without tempo work at the stadium. And now, I know, both Gross and Padin have returned this important point to the training process. Several times over the summer they test the guys and analyze their condition. And there is a result: today Babikov walked the distance very easily and harmoniously. I have gained in all components - in function, in strength, and in swing inertia. But the main thing is that he has matured; I'm so pleased to listen to his interview live. He says calmly and deliberately - well done, man!

There really aren't many victories on Anton's resume. In fact, gold in the pursuit at the 2016 European Championships is the main award; there, together with Victoria Slivko, he won the single mixed doubles. Then they started talking about Babikov seriously and even took him to the World Championships.

In Holmenkollen he certainly didn’t spoil the impression: he ran three individual races (23, 21 and 16 places) and a relay (his own stage - very worthy for a debut). Considering that before this he was taken to the World Cup only 4 (!) times and was entrusted with only 5 (!) races, the result is quite workable.

In Ostersund, in the pursuit race, even Martin Fourcade gave up under the pressure of the young Russians: approaching the final standing as a leader, he waved twice. But Babikov and Tsvetkov were shot cleanly. Fourcade's chase turned out beautiful, but inconclusive.

Anton is the first, Maxim is the second.

“I have already congratulated Max,” says Lopukhov. - He’s great, he’s physically stronger. I would even say that I over-pumped the upper shoulder girdle. You need to be a little easier, do cyclic work, different swings... But the coaches will figure it out. When a team has capable and talented guys, it’s easy and pleasant to work with them!

You should find out

- The last time a Russian biathlete - not with the last name Shipulin - won an individual race at the World Cup was 4 years ago (less than one month). On January 6, 2013, Dmitry Malyshko finished first in the Oberhof pursuit.

Since then, Evgeny Garanichev and Alexey Volkov, Evgeny Ustyugov and the same Malyshko, Maxim Tsvetkov and almost foreigner Timofey Lapshin, and Alexander Loginov, who has not yet contacted EPO, have stopped by the podium. There were many winners, but all these years only Shipulin won.

Then, January 6, 2013, the last victorious double of Russian biathletes happened: Garanichev was the first after Malyshko on that amazing evening.

And for the very, very last time, two of our guys stood on the podium on January 11, 2015: mass start - silver for Shipulin, bronze for Malyshko.

- Östersund is not the happiest place for Russian biathletes. The last time we won the mixed relay here was November 25, 2012, and personal successes go back to the 2008 World Cup, when Maxim Chudov became the best in the sprint, and Ekaterina Yuryeva won the individual race.

- Anton Babikov won his 11th World Cup race. Evgeny Redkin, who won his fifth start (also his debut at the Olympics), still remained stronger, but in the current lineup everyone lost to Babikov.

Photo: REUTERS/TT News Agency/Anders Wiklund; RIA Novosti/Alexander Vilf (3)

Photo: 12/04/2016. I stage of the 2016/2017 Biathlon World Cup, Ostersund. The winners of the men's pursuit race are Russians Anton Babikov (gold) and Maxim Tsvetkov (silver). ©IBU

In March, when the Russian team was in agony at the World Championships in Holmenkollen (0 medals), many were surprised: why didn’t they notice Babikov before? Why wasn't he given a chance?

“He has a Fourcadian body texture,” exclaimed two-time Olympic champion Anatoly Alyabyev. – It was created for contact racing! If Anton is rolled out for at least half a season, the result will definitely come.

As Alyabyev felt, it didn’t even take a month. And speaking in terms of numbers: only 11 races in the World Cup!

However, against the background of his peers - Pechenkin, Tsvetkov - 25-year-old Babikov never looked like a nugget. Yes, good physical data - but I didn’t always accelerate my body weight. Yes, he shot consistently - but to zero, and at the decisive moments... But Anton is one of those athletes who, over the years, not only opens up, but also gets wiser.

– Do you know what Babikov is remembered for? - Honored coach Nikolai Lopukhov greets our call. – He runs a 3-kilometer cross-country race at the stadium in 9 minutes. Of the biathletes, only Lesha Slepov can boast of this. And this is an indicator: the guy is a functional runner! Previously, not a single summer period passed without tempo work at the stadium. And now, I know, both Gross and Padin have returned this important point to the training process. Several times over the summer they test the guys and analyze their condition. And there is a result: today Babikov walked the distance very easily and harmoniously. I have gained in all components – in function, in strength, and in swing inertia. But the main thing is that he has matured; I'm so pleased to listen to his interview live. He speaks calmly and deliberately - well done, man!

Anton is the first, Maxim is the second.

“I have already congratulated Max,” says Lopukhov. “He’s great, he’s physically strong.” I would even say that I over-pumped the upper shoulder girdle. You need to be a little easier, do cyclic work, different swings... But the coaches will figure it out. When a team has capable and talented guys, it’s easy and pleasant to work with them!

YOU MUST KNOW THIS

- the last time a Russian biathlete - not with the last name Shipulin - won an individual race at the World Cup 4 years ago (less than one month). On January 6, 2013, Dmitry Malyshko finished first in the Oberhof pursuit.

- then, on January 6, 2013, the last victorious double of Russian biathletes happened: Garanichev was the first after Malyshko on that amazing evening.

And for the very, very last time, two of our guys stood on the podium on January 11, 2015: mass start - Shipulin took silver, Malyshko took bronze.

– Anton Babikov won his 11th World Cup race. Evgeniy Redkin, who won his debut competition (also at the Olympics), still remained superior, but in the current lineup everyone lost to Babikov.