Why is it a surprise? I don't think it is. They did well at Euros so of course they will be sent.
Kristya,
It surprised me because of what I`ve read in interviews etc. Piseev wasn`t even going to send them to Euros except that Mukhortova hurt herself. Velikova said that it`s time for them to retire and they risk "disgracing themselves".Alexei said that they`re tired of competing and blamed COP for taking the soul out of programs. He also said that he and Maria could finish as low as 10th.
My idea was that going out with a silver at Euros would be a good time.
Arthur