The abolition of Genoa has created a lot of problems

March 13, 20202min read

As we reported yesterday, the World Sailing because of the threat of the spread of coronavirus has canceled the world Cup for Olympic disciplines sails in Genoa from 11 to 19 April, which was supposed to be the last chance for selection for the Olympic games in Tokyo.

The international Olympic Committee gave the Sailing World the opportunity to extend the qualification period for the Games until June 30. Here is what this said to the correspondent of RIA Novosti, head coach of Russia Natalia Ivanova:

“It is unknown where now will be the final stage of Olympic qualification. I hope that soon will tell… the next major tournament – the world championship 470 class in Mallorca, Spain (13-21 March). It will be held according to the program, information about the cancellation no. There we participate, then we will solve problems in process of receipt. On the schedule Cup Princess Sofia in Spain, all important regatta in terms of internal selection to the team, and the Hyeres regatta in France. These two regattas in question, it is unknown how the situation will develop with the virus. About these two regattas say cancel”

According to Ivanova, the cancellation of the tournament in Genoa has had a serious impact on the plans of Russian national team. “We expected training so that the first peak of the season the athletes came on stage in Genoa. Now it is not clear how to build the training process, for all it’s stress. Our funding was planned out this way – who qualifies for the Olympics, the more involved in the European and world Championships in may. Now, it is unclear how to allocate funding. In Genoa we had paid non-refundable lodging, tickets, it is necessary to change all the logistics, now where to send the boat. This force majeure threatens us with serious costs,” said the coach. And continued:

“We need to get to Japan for the Olympics yacht those kids who can qualify for the Olympics at the final selection, and containers of yachts we have for a very long time – 2.5 months. Genoa was the latest version at the time, after which we managed to send a yacht in Japan. Now, it is unclear how we will deliver the material part of those who make it to the Olympics in the last selection. We will resolve this issue.”