Madshus cross-country racer Nikolay Morilov (RUS) might be best known as a sprint racer, but he was moved to the Russian distance team at the beginning of the season. The change shifted his training focus, but Morilov continues to impress on the sprint circuit as well, and is in fourth place in the overall sprint world cup standings.
FIS Cross-Country News talked with the skier from the city of Perm before the Sprint World Cup in Moscow. Read on to learn more about one of the most exciting racers on the World Cup!
FIS Cross-Country News: Nikolay, you come from the city of Perm. There are football, ice hockey and basketball clubs in your hometown. Why did you choose Cross-Country Skiing as your sport?
Nikolay Morilov: When I was a child I was very active. I did different sports when I was at school. I rode a lot of bicycle; I did track and field, played ice hockey and football at the amateur level. But later I took up Cross-Country Skiing more seriously because I’m very fond of skiing.
Perm is a large city with the population of about 1 million people. There are a great number of sports in my city. In the summer you can chose from many sports. There is also a big variety of winter sports as the winter period in my city is about 6 months long!
FIS Cross-Country News: You have had a great season so far. What makes you so strong? Last season you were good as well, but this year you are much better. Did you change anything in your training?
N.M.: Yes, this year I feel much better. At the beginning of the training season I changed from the sprint team to the distance team under the command of Oleg Perevozchikov. So I have changed my training conditions completely.
FIS Cross-Country News: We have seen many times this season how strong the Russian sprint team is. What is the secret for your success? Besides yourself, Petukhov, Kriukov and others regularly make it to the finals. Norwegians used to dominate the sprint, this year it seems to be Russia’s turn now.
N.M.: I have no secrets; I just like skiing very much. It is very pleasant for me when several skiers from Russia are in the final or even better on the podium! The Norwegian and Swedish teams are very strong and it is great to have a sports fight with strong competitors.
FIS Cross-Country News: You left the Tour de Ski after the sprint in Toblach but you stayed with the team and helped testing. How is the atmosphere in the team?
N.M.: Yes, I finished Tour de Ski in Toblach, because I had to prepare well for the sprint in Milan. There was an opportunity to stay with my team until the end of the Tour de Ski, so I helped them and participated in the Tour in a different way. After Toblach I spent my time with a great pleasure. I helped and supported my team. The atmosphere in my team is great!
FIS Cross-Country News: What are you doing when you are not training or competing? How do you relax? What are your hobbies?
N.M.: The time when I’m not training or competing means that I’m training less or I’m practicing other sport. I’m fond of travelling by car in Russia. Its vast territory enables me to do it.
FIS Cross-Country News: Which sprints do you like more? In a city or the so-called “normal sprints? Where is your favorite competition place?
N.M.: I like “normal” sprints better. I like when the competition course covers a long lap with uphills. I don’t have any favorite competition places.
FIS Cross-Country News: What is your best memory of this season? Which competition has been the best for you so far?
N.M.: The best memory of this season is from the sprint in Kuusamo. The best competition for me has been in Toblach.