CROSS-COUNTRY, 05.03.2006, Pamporovo. 150 cross-country racers from Bulgaria, Serbia, Russia, USA, Sweden and Germany crossed the start line in the XI-th Balkan Cross-Country Ski Marathon Pamporovo 2006. The best chances for the first place in the longest distance of 50 km this time had three competitors from Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria - Nikos Kalofiris, Alexander Milenkovitch and Ivan Bariakov. Ktalofiris had won the gold already two times on previous marathons in Pamporovo, while Milenkovitch and Bariakov represent their countries on the Winter Olympic games 2006.

Kalofiris, Milenkovich and Bariakov at the start line

Although during the competition day the weather was hot, the snow reminded good enough. The beginning of the professionals’ race was favourable for Bulgaria. The first 25-th kilometers Stanmir Belomujev leaded the group. After the 35-th km fastest was Milenkovitch, 30 sec. before Kalofiris and Belomujev. Finally, for 3-th time on the maraton, first finished Kalofiris, winning the cup, the traditional crystal statue and 2000 BGN. A minute and 13 sec. after Kalofiris, second finished Milenkovitch, followed by Ivan Bariakov.

Nikos Kalofyris at 46th kilometer

In the 30 km. distance women’ race best performance showed Rayna Koiova (Bansko), before Antonia Grigorova (Sofia) – on 2-th place and Silvia Shandurkova (Troyan) – 3-th place.

winner 30km men over 40 years old - Mario Dimitrov (Ruen 92, Kiustendil)

winners - 50km men

In the veterans race this year also competed the ambassador of Sweden Mr. Bertil Roth and Mr. Huta, representative of OMV in Bulgaria.

English version by Lorski

PHOTOGALLERY FORM THE EVENT HERE !

RESULTS

Cross-country ski marathon 50km - men

1. Nikos Kalofyris (GRE) 2:47:53.1
2. Aleksandar Milenkovic (SCG) +1:13.0
3. Ivan Bariakov (BUL) +1:27.7
4. Petar Kyosev (BUL) +2:19.8
5. Stanimir Belomajev (BUL) +3:03.5
6. Alexis Gkouko (GRE) +6:40.0
7. Veselin Tzinzov (BUL) +9:18.6
8. Tcotco Terziev (BUL) +13:28.2
9. Miroslav Kenanov (BUL) +22:50.3
10. Borislav Peikov (BUL) +30:45.9

Litle ski marathon 30km - ladies

1. Rayna Kouva (BUL) 1:51:35.0
2. Antonia Grigorova (BUL) +2:24.0
3. Iliana Shandurkova (BUL) +3:05.0

OFFICIAL RESULTS HERE !