Russia’s Prokurorov Withdraws With Cold

Veteran Russian cross-country skier Alexei Prokurorov withdrew from the 30-kilometer race minutes before the scheduled start of the race.

Olympic officials said the 33-year-old, who took gold in the 1988 Olympics in Calgary in a 30-kilometer classic style race, had caught a cold during Saturday’s Olympic opening ceremony when he was flagbearer for the Russian team.

Prokurorov is taking part in his fourth Olympics.

Monday’s race at the Snow Harp circuit began in heavy snow. Unlike Alpine events, cross-country skiing events generally go ahead however severe the weather conditions.