This is Pre-World Championship interview and has a couple of interesting rumors
Interview in Russian
My own translation with some help from online translator:
Musketeers have gone to get the German gold This weekend the fencing world championship will start in Leipzig. The Russian Team traditionally is one of the main favorites of tournament, however the management of Federation of fencing of Russia considers this championship as chance to try younger athletes with a sight on 2008 Olympics. Winning of the first overall place will be necessary in 2 years when Russia, most likely, becomes a host of World Championship 2007.
Vice-president of Federation of fencing of Russia Jury Bychkov has told about tasks for World Championship 2005 and plans for World Championship 2007 in exclusive interview to "utro.ru". "Utro": What goal was given to the Russian Team in the championship in Germany? Jury Bychkov: Two gold, two silver and one bronze medals.
"U": And, probably, the first overall place? J.B.: We shall try, certainly, however our main task - to be prepared to 2008 Olympics in Pekin. It is necessary to try recruits, to check up them in competitions of the highest level. In Leipzig there will be the first world championship in a four-year-old cycle of preparation to 2008 Olympics. On trainer's council the decision was made to not be limited to 4 participants in each of the weapons. As a result in Germany we can try not 24 athletes but 28. The young will be able, as they say, “to smell the gunpowder”, and to prove themselves.
“U”: In the female epee and saber teams only 4 athletes were included. Why? J.B.: In some events we already have four athletes consistently compete together for a long time. And then, in these events practically all athletes are young and perspective. Besides one of our epee leaders Tatyana Logunova became a mom and now is busy with her child and family.
“U”: Are All our leaders going to Leipzig?
J.B.: Our glorified veterans
Paul Kolobkov and Stanislav Pozdnyakov have made a decision to not leave the sport yet. In 2008 Kolobkov expects to go to his sixth Olympics. 4 times Olympic champion Pozdnyakov still undecided. But 2 times Olympic champion Sergey Sharikov has covered the sabre - he does not go to Germany. And Alexey Jakimenko though has was injured, already trains. Doctors have allowed him to go to the world championship.
“U”: And when the team of Russia takes off for Leipzig? J.B.: We fly in lots - 6, on October, 7th and 8. Depending on whose competitions will begin earlier.
“U”: St.-Petersburg has submitted the application for hosting 2007 World Championship. What are the chances it will get it? J.B.: St.-Petersburg proposed itself as a candidature 2005 World Championship; Germans and Italians also submitted applications for the present championship. Under the mutual arrangement we have given up the place to the Germans, and the following championship - to Italians. But have got their support on 2007 World Championship. However, recently we got a new competitor - the Bulgarian Plovdiv.
“U”: How difficult will it be to compete with Plovdiv?
J.B.: Not so long ago in Plovdiv championship of the world for the young athletes was held. Organizers have run the competition not so confidently, even asked us about the financial help. And St.-Petersburg’s organizational abilities in the International federation of fencing have already established. Foil World Cup was held in the city on Neva for many years. And, at very high level of organization.
“U”: Does it mean, that St.-Petersburg has very good chances to get 2007 Championship?
J.B.: It is not that simple. After the president of our federation Alisher Usmanov got a post of vice-president of the European confederation of fencing, having been recognized in Europe, present president of FIE Rene Roche began to be seriously afraid for his place. It is a possibility, that he becomes the initiator of campaign against the application of St.-Petersburg. He well understands, that we will organize the world championship at a high level and then Usmanov will receive additional recognition.
“U”: When the winner of this race will be defined?
J.B.: Elections of a place for the world championship will take place on November 12th, 2005 in Qatar at the congress of the International federation of fencing.
(C)
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