Skimpy skiing takes off in Russia

30 Apr 2009, 2:34 pm   -   Source: Reuters
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Fanatical skiers in Russia mark the end of Winter and the ski season, with a "skimpy skiing" race.

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Ski-lovers in northern Russia say good-bye to winter and welcome spring by taking part in an unsual race.

Keen cross-country skiers race in skimpy clothing to mark the end of the ski season.

About 150 cross-country skiers from the northern Russian city of Syktyvkar, recently participated in the unconventional and freezing cold event.

The only condition for participating in the event is to wear skimpy clothing, despite the falling snow.

This year was the tenth event, and a record number of people took part in what has become a popular local attraction.

Sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow didn't put the competitors off.

"Everyone says it is cold, but because we warmed up before the start and stretched I wasn't cold at all,” said one race participant, after completing the 5 kilometre men's race.

It felt like normal and I didn't notice any difference between skiing in ski suits or like this, so I wasn't cold at all," he said.

The distance for women is 2.5 kilometres.

"It's great, it's amazing - it is a real spring holiday," said another skier.

This race marks the end of the ski season and the arrival of spring and is held every April.

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