The FIS Roller Ski World Cup 2013 is slowly reaching its halfway point. Already nine of a total of 22 competitions have taken place since it began in Oroslavje (CRO) on 22nd June 2013.

In the ladies’ rankings, Russian skiers have shown their dominance and currently occupy the top six spots. Ksenia Konokhova is heading the standings with 595 points in front of Anna Grushina, (499) and Elena Ektova (466).

Among the men, the top positions are in Italian and French hands. Simone Paredi of Italy, who claimed last year’s third place in the overall Roller Ski World Cup standings, is currently leading with 480 points ahead of compatriot Eugenio Bianchi. With two victories on the previous weekend in Novgorod (RUS) Frenchman Baptiste Noel has moved up to third place.

Also in the ladies’ junior category, a Russian skier is heading the rankings. Anastasia Bushueva is leading in front of Kira Claudi (GER) and Maria Kondratenko (RUS).

On the men’s side, Mikhail Matrentsev of Russia is placed first in the junior rankings. Emanuele Becchis of Italy is currently second with Russia’s Evgeniy Duk placing third.

After a short break, the FIS Roller Ski World Cup continues in La Bresse (FRA) on the last weekend of August. In the first week of September, the sport will see its season highlight with the FIS Roller Skiing World Ski Championships taking place in Bad Peterstal (GER). After a stop in Pontarlier (FRA), the World Cup will conclude in Toblach/Dobbiace (ITA) from 20th-22nd September.

Source: the official site of FIS