Torch Relay Update -- Flame Tours Republican Spartak Stadium

Representatives from two cities carried the Olympic flame on Thursday:Vladikavkazin North Ossetia and Nalchik.

Due to Vladikavkaz's proximity to the breakaway territory of South Ossetia, currently claimed by Georgia, the torch relay was conducted entirely inside Republican Spartak Stadium.

In total, 31 torchbearers carried the flame around the stadium, including Olympic wrestler Alan Khugaev.

Local Ossetian beer, dress, song, and dance was on display during the relay. The flame arrived via helicopter from Ingushetia, landing on a helipad in the middle of the stadium's pitch.

On Thursday, Nalchik concluded the torch relay. Sochi 2014 says 46 representatives from Nalchik ran with the torch.

Famous footballers and coaches born in Nalchik include Yury Krasnozhan, Vladimir Eshtrekov, Zaur Khapov, and Ruslan Nakhushev.

Olympic Greco-Roman wrestler Aslanbek Khushtov completed Nalchik's leg of the relay by lighting the city's "Olympic flame bowl."

The torch relay travels to Mount Elbrus on Saturday. Mount Elbrus' peak is the highest in Russia and Europe, according to Sochi 2014.

With less than one month to go, the flame is making its way back into European Russia and, ultimately, Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 7.

Written byNicole Bennett

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