Today, May 23, the participants of the international Arctic Curling Cup arrived early in the morning at Norilsk airport, and then went to Dudinka.
After the rest, an extensive cultural program was planned for curlers from 7 countries. The athletes visited the Taimyr Museum of local history, Taimyr house of folk art, and in the evening the participants of the tournament were greeted by the head of Dudinka Yuri Gurin.
After completion of the program of the first day in Dudinka Russian curlers Anastasia Bryzgalova and Alexey Timofeev specifically for the official site of the tournament answered a few questions.
- Today was a very busy day: a night flight from Moscow, a meeting at the entrance to Dudinka, a visit to the local history Museum, a reception at the head of the city. What do you remember most?
Alexey: it was really very interesting, a lot of impressions, starting from the moment when we arrived from summer to winter, and, of course, amazing culture, people. These experiences have eclipsed even the fatigue after a flight. I am also impressed by the people who built the cities in these difficult conditions, who cherish their culture.
Anastasia: I remember the costumes and outfits of the indigenous peoples of Taimyr, some I even tried on. Visiting chums, communicating with people: we are literally full of emotions.
- The Arctic Cup is the only curling tournament held in unique conditions beyond the Arctic circle. Have you ever played in such unusual places?
Anastasia: there is a tournament on the ice of lake Baikal in Russia, but we have never played there.
Alexey: I will note the tournament on Кed Square in Moscow, it is also a very interesting place, but the tournament in Dudinka stands out, of course. In general, in Russia, probably, the most creative approach to the choice of venues for curling tournaments, in other countries, more and more traditionally.
- Tomorrow you will go to the ice arena "Taimyr", you will have a training session. What are the expectations of the last tournament of the season, do you have a "minimum task"?
Anastasia: tomorrow we need to "feel the ice", the atmosphere, the conditions are very unusual, but in general we want to play for fun, to show the best possible game, for us this is the first game at such a serious level together.
- Many famous players take part in the tournament. Who should be especially followed by the audience, who is the favorite of the tournament?
Anastasia: really, a lot of cool couples came to Taymyr. Good and played masters are Canadians Carruthers and Courtney. It will be interesting to see the joint game of such strong players as Niklas Edin and Rachel Homan, individually they are the leaders of their teams, won many titles, and together have not played yet.
- The season turned out to be long and eventful for you, this is the last tournament not only in mixed doubles, but also in the international curling season. The question is slightly ahead of events: what are your plans for vacation, where will you go, when you plan to return to training before the new season?
- At the beginning of June we are going to go to rest with a big "curling" company, and at the end of June we will start individual trainings, and since July - team trainings. The first tournaments will be played, most likely, in September.
Thanks for the conversation and good luck on the polar ice!
The first matches of the Arctic Curling Cup in Dudinka will be played on May 24 at 15:00 local time. We are waiting for the fans in the stands of the Taimyr Ice arena!