The ski racing tournament for the Cup of Kolsky Branch started in Apatity

January 13, 2013 the ski racing children's and youth competitions for the Cup of Kolsky Branch started in Apatity. The first stage of the tournament was held as a mixed team sprint. Boys and girls in the command structure had to overcome 3 and 2 laps correspondingly of 400 m to 1 km depending on the age group. The winner of the first stage in the overall standings was the team of Kandalaksha — the constant leader of all the tournaments. The second place won the team of Apatity and the third – the Kovdor’s team.

According to director of the competition, two-time champion of Russia, master of sports in skiing Igor Ilyin, «the last stage has two advantages: firstly, skiers like the track in Apatity which is always perfectly prepared. In addition, the stages of the Cup of Russia are held here, and this competition is important for the overall training of athletes. Secondly, the relay in Murmansk region are included in the program of competitions rarely, so our tournament gives an opportunity to practice such format of ski racing and strengthen team spirit of children».

In 2013 the tournament is held for the third time. In comparison with the first time when only 2 teams of Apatity and Kirovsk participated in competitions this year geography expanded. Teams of Kandalaksha, Kovdor, Polyarnie Zori, Chupa, Zelenoborsky and Umba joined. In total, more than 250 young skiers from 8 settlements are fighting to win the Cup. The event includes four stages: after Apatity participants will test the ski track of Kandalaksha and Kovdor, the final will be held traditionally in the end of March in Zelenoborsky. Cup covers all kinds of ski disciplines in both individual and team championships.