“Ricco Gross has excellent command of modern coaching techniques”, – said Sergei Kostin Executive Director of the Russian Biathlon Union

Four-time Olympic champion Ricco Gross joined the coaching staff of the Russian national men’s biathlon team. According to the press service of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU), German coach together with the Russian expert Vladimir Bragin will work with a group of biathletes, preparing for the next season’s World Cup. The contract with the German specialist will last until end of the 2017/2018 season.

“We have a very strong men’s team. My goal is to make it even stronger. We will work hard to achieve good results, – said the 44-year-old coach. – It’s a big challenge for me. Previously, I worked in German national teams. This is my first experience as a senior coach. And therefore I will have the freedom to make some decisions and will bear corresponding responsibility.

Of course, my long-term goal is to prepare the Russian national team for the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea. We must go step by step move towards this goal, we need to become better and realize our potential. I am sure that the Olympic Games in PyeongChang could be successful for us. There are a lot of strong athletes the Russian national team.”

In an interview with the ROC Information Service, RBU Executive Director Sergei Kostin expressed confidence that German specialist will easily find common language with Russian athletes and coaches.

“Ricco Gross has an excellent command of modern coaching techniques that are currently used in the preparation of biathletes, not only in Germany but all over the world – he said. Russia has a strong coaching school and Gross will be able to bring something new, and it will work to the benefit of the national team. His athletic experience must also help our biathletes in preparation for an important start”.