Standard bearer of Russian team to be skater

Russian flag at Opening ceremony of XX Winter Olympic Games will not be carried by representatives of ski races and biathlon.

This was announced by vice-president of sport delegation in Torino Igor Kazikov.

"The explanation is rather simple - biathlon skiers will start competitions the next day, and skiers - only day after, - said Igor Kazikov. - We estimated that the way from Olympic village in Sestriere and Bardonekia to Torino and back will take about 9 hours. This is a long period. We have no right to risk with health and shape of sportsmen, who are considered as favorites. We used to consider Pavel Rostovtsev the ideal candidature".

By words of Kazikov, the choice will be made out of sportsmen, who are rather free during first days after Opening Ceremony. "There is a high possibility for standard bearer to be a skater", - supposed Kazikov.

As a reminder, seeing-off ceremony with Russian Olympic team will be held on Friday in Moscow. It will start at 14:00 near memorial of Eternal flame in Alexander garden.

To the accompaniment of a military march sportsmen will lay flowers to the Eternal Flame, will receive the standard from veterans of sport and will visit Kazan cathedral for public prayer. After that action will move to state department store, where sportsmen will be presented symbolic gifts - cheburashka, flags, signs. Famous fountain on first floor of the store will be decorated as Olympic Fire Bowl.

sections: Sport, Region News
regions: Central region