Three-time world champion Roman Repilov expressed his opinion that for Russian lugers to remain competitive at the international level, it is crucial to have the opportunity to train on foreign tracks.
“We have been riding on the same track for three years. This can be compared to eating the same food for three years; you might add some spices occasionally, but the food remains the same. Because nothing changes, you don't feel new emotions. For instance, I currently don't experience any emotions during competitions, and that's not good. Of course, I really want us to go to China or somewhere else. But these matters are not decided by the athletes. Our task is to start fast and ride fast, and where we ride is not up to us. If we go to China, we will tackle our challenges there,” Repilov told TASS.
The FIL deprived Russian lugers of the opportunity to compete in tournaments under its auspices in March 2022 following the escalation of the situation in Ukraine. Earlier, the organization's congress in Lake Placid, USA, voted to extend the suspension of Russian athletes from international competitions.
Russian lugers had planned to go on a training camp at the Olympic track in China in March of this year, but they were forced to cancel the trip due to issues with document processing.