Russia aiming for golden Games
Russia's Olympic boss said he was hoping that his athletes were capable of winning as many as six gold medals at the Games, naming Russia's skiers, biathletes and figure skaters as their main hopes.
"Taking into consideration the results of the previous season and the recent World Cup stages we can expect up to six gold medals in skiing, biathlon and figure skating," he said. "I believe our athletes will win up to 25 medals at the Games. But it is the results and the referees that will determine whether they are gold, silver or bronze medals."
Tyagachov believes the country's fans may expect some pleasant surprises at the Games. "Our athletes will perform in almost all events at the Games," he said. "And we can expect some surprisingly high results from some of them."
He also named the bob sledge quartet and men's ice hockey squad among the Games medal favorites noting however that it would be extremely hard for Russia to shine in the hockey tournament as 19 of Russia's players were currently playing in the North American professional National Hockey League.
"The break in the NHL schedule begins on February 13, while we will have to play Slovakia just two days later," he said. "And it's very hard to predict in what form the NHL sides' players will appear at the Olympic tournament."
Tyagachev revealed that Russia has spent more than 23 million dollars to prepare the country's squad for the games in Turin.
Russia's Olympic supremo added that he was expecting not only top class results but also spectacular performances from the Russian team.
"We hope that our athletes are all set to perform top class results," Tyagachev said. "But we all understand that it is impossible to win in every event of the Games. "However, it's also important for them to perform at their very best. It's also very important for our fans. Sometimes more important than the result itself."