KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia, March 15 (R-Sport) – Russian cross-country skiers blew away the opposition in the open relay at the Sochi Paralympics to register a golden double on Saturday as President Vladimir Putin looked on.
Two hours after the hosts grabbed gold in the mixed relay, the Russian team of four male skiers stormed to the first place in the open relay, beating second-placed Ukraine by 55.1 seconds.
The most decorated athlete of the Sochi Paralympics, Roman Petushkov, took his sixth gold, while Vladislav Lekomtcev and Rushan Minnegulov grabbed their second victories. If Petushkov can win gold in the 10km race Sunday, he will match the record for most gold medals at a single Winter Paralympics.
"Roman is the main hero of these Paralympics and an example for our team," the youngest relay winner, Grigory Murygin, 19, told R-Sport. "It is so cool that we are in first place. I couldn't even imagine that Russia would win so many medals. But the Paralympics are not over and there will be even more."
A French team comprised of only two athletes, who each raced two stages, came third, 1 minute and 7 seconds behind Russia.
"I was tired by the end of the first run but I tried to leave as much time as possible for Toto [Thomas Clarion]," said Benjamin Daviet. "My second run was even harder but I endured it so that Toto could have a good finish."
Russia has already secured first place in the medal table and grabbed its 27th gold of the Games.
