Two sports facilities in Vitebsk have begun testing experimental equipment from MTZ OJSC, which is being used on ski trails and ice rinks, reports a BELTA correspondent.
Two sports facilities in Vitebsk have begun testing experimental equipment from MTZ OJSC, which is being used on ski trails and ice rinks, reports a BELTA correspondent.
The ice resurfacing machine "Belarus ML-428" is being tested by the Vitebsk City Physical Culture and Sports Club, while the snow-grooming equipment "Belarus MSU-622" is operating on the trails of the Vitebsk State College of the Olympic Reserve. Prior to this, specialists from the plant trained the staff of the two institutions.
"The ML-428 machine is designed for use on outdoor ice rinks. It cleans the ice of freshly fallen snow, cuts off the top layer of ice, collects shavings into a bunker, grinds, and applies a new layer. The special tank is filled with 420 litres of hot water. It is being used for ice rink preparation at Victory Square and near the Summer Amphitheatre in Vitebsk," explained Igor Paremsky, Director of the Vitebsk City Physical Culture and Sports Club. According to him, the equipment has been undergoing trials for a week, and there have been no significant complaints so far. The specialists from the physical culture and sports club submit weekly reports to MTZ on the machine's performance.
Vladimir Mashnyuk, Director of the Vitebsk College of the Olympic Reserve, noted that testing equipment for maintaining ski trails in the northern region of the country is logical and justified. "We really need such equipment for the high-quality preparation of snow trails. Although it is on trial, it is already benefiting the institution. We are currently hosting the regional stage of the 'Snow Sniper' biathlon competition, and we prepared all the trails for the athletes using the MSU-622 snow-grooming machine," the director said.
It is planned that over three months of trial operation, the equipment will undergo a comprehensive set of necessary tests. During this time, specialists from the Vitebsk sports institutions will compile a list of complaints and suggestions regarding the equipment's operation and improvement.