Russian Aleksander Bolshunov, the world’s top-ranked cross-country skier, was disqualified after whipping at a Finnish opponent with a ski pole on the finishing straight, then tackling the skier after they crossed the finish line of a World Cup relay on Sunday.
Bolshunov was slightly trailing Finland’s Joni Mäki going into the final straightaway of a 4×7.5km relay in Lahti, Finland.
Mäki shifted to his right, closer to Bolshunov along the advertising boards, and the two athletes’ skis made contact. The Russian was knocked off balance. Obstruction is illegal, but Mäki and his Finnish were not disqualified or relegated.