EMTBOC 2015: Meet Anton Foliforov (Russia)

Name: Anton Foliforov Age: 28 Home location: Kovrov, Russia Profession and educational background: Sportsman, Kovrov State Technological Academy Years in sport of any kind: Since 1997. Years in MTBO: Since 2003. What got you started: The road cycling. IOF World Ranking: 1st position MTBO World Cup 2015: 2nd position

What is your best moment in MTB Orienteering so far?

- My first gold medal in relay in the WMTBOC 2009, in Israel. I was riding on the third leg. After two legs our team was 6 minutes behind the leading team, but I was able to win the race. That was very unexpected for me!

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

- I always want to do my best in every race.

What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?

- The wish to train and a competent coach.

What are your goals for the European Championships, in Portugal?

- Get a gold! I have never won in the European Championships.

What is your biggest challenge in the competition, and how do you intend to manage it?

- Keep cool-headed. I must think only about the race and nothing else.

What would be your ultimate achievement for the season?

- Get the podium in the World Championships and the World Cup overall.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?

- No matter how fast you go to the purpose, you must not stop!

[Photo courtesy: Anton Foliforov]

Joaquim Margarido