The annual Cup of Russia Final starts today in Yoshkar-Ola, the capital of the Mariy-El Republic. For Alena the tournament is rather a practice event and a chance to check her physical condition ahead of the upcoming Worlds. For the first time in a long while Alena has left for an event without her coach, as Alla Piatova injured her arm a few days ago (that’s why Alena had to prepare for the Final alone, too). But hardships only make one stronger, they say. So, we wish Alla Yakovlevna to recover as soon as possible, and Alena to skate calmly and please the audience in the Mariy-El ice palace with her performance. ... Read more »
Apart from participting
in competitions of the European Championships, Alena had another task in Bern, entrusted
to her by the organizing committe of the Russaian FSO Awards: she was to
present Stephane Lambiel with a prize for winning in three nominations at once. ... Read more »
Today in Yoshkar-Ola ladies skated their free programs. Alena placed first with 60.26 points. 
The annual Cup of Russia Final starts today in Yoshkar-Ola, the capital of the Mariy-El Republic. For Alena the tournament is rather a practice event and a chance to check her physical condition ahead of the upcoming Worlds. For the first time in a long while Alena has left for an event without her coach, as Alla Piatova injured her arm a few days ago (that’s why Alena had to prepare for the Final alone, too). But hardships only make one stronger, they say. So, we wish Alla Yakovlevna to recover as soon as possible, and Alena to skate calmly and please the audience in the Mariy-El ice palace with her performance. 