January 11, 2011 – Alexander Legkov (RUS) withdrew from Tour de Ski after the sprint in Toblach where he finished 20th. Legkov was hit by a  fever the night before the A to B stage from Cortina to Toblach and left for Davos, Switzerland and was taken to hospital for a medical check up.

“I felt worse and worse in the car. In Davos they did all the tests right away and diagnosed swine flu,” said Legkov in an interview on skirun.ru. He confirmed that his condition got worse rapidly. “When I was at the X-ray check up two guys had to support me as I had no power in my legs,” continued Legkov in the interview.

Legkov is feeling much better now. After intensive treatment his temperature dropped to 36.8 but he remains in the hospital in Davos. It’s unknown where he caught the virus. “Perhaps in Oberhof. We stayed at a huge hotel with many people. I was in a very good shape but you’re always on the edge with your health,” explained Legkov.

Legkov is supposed to leave for Russia to recover before the next training camp which will take place in Davos. “I must prepare for the World Championships in Oslo. I want to be in top shape again in battles with Dario, Petter, Markus and Lukas,” concluded Legkov optimistically.

With files from skirun.ru – original article HERE.