Bolshunov and the ski racing federation lost their German sponsor

Kinetixx stated,that they “completely distance themselves” from Russian athletes and do not see opportunities for resuming cooperation Read us in News News Alexander Bolshunov

The German glove brand Kinetixx has terminated a sponsorship contract with Russian athletes due to the situation in Ukraine and considers the presence of skier Alexander Bolshunov at a rally in honor of the anniversary of the annexation of Crimea to RUSSIA unacceptable, reports VG.

“It was crazy and idiotic. I have no words, this is completely unacceptable. We distance ourselves completely from this,” said Kinetixx marketing manager Helmut Hanus.

When asked if it was possible to resume cooperation with the Russians, Khanus replied: “I don’t think so. We stopped everything and I don't see any changes."

According to VG, Kinetixx had an agreement with the Russian Ski Racing Federation, the company cooperated with skiers, Nordics and several biathletes. Three-time Olympic champion Bolshunov, along with Norwegian biathletes Johannes Be and Marte Olsbu-Røiseland, was one of the main stars of the brand. The contracts were terminated after the start of a special operation by Russian troops in Ukraine.

“I don’t comment on anything,” Elena Vyalbe, HEAD of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, told RBC.

FIS responded to the participation of the skier Bolshunov in the rally at Luzhniki

A rally-concert dedicated to the eighth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea to Russia took place on March 18. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 203,000 people were present at Luzhniki, including more than 95,000 at the stadium. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the rally .

Bolshunov, along with other Olympic medalists at a rally-concert, went up on stage before the performance of the Russian anthem. Almost all the athletes on their jackets, on the left side of the chest, had the letter Z attached, made from a ribbon in the colors of the Russian flag. Bolshunov did not see such a symbol on his clothes.

After the removal of Russian athletes from international competitions by decision of the FIS, the French ski manufacturer Rossignol suspended cooperation with Bolshunov and other Russians.

VG notes that the supplier of lubricants Swix also stopped cooperation with the Russians.

Bolshunov is a three-time champion and six-time Olympic medalist, world champion in 2021, two-time winner of the overall World Cup standings.