Norway keeps its supremacy in Pokljuka

Norwegian duo, Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, proved that they are one of the best biathletes, anchoring the first single mixed relay win of the season. They completed the race in 38:54.1 and 5 spare rounds. They were followed by France’s Antonin Guigonnat and Lou Jeanmonnot finishing 41.0 seconds back and using 6 spare rounds, while Switzerland’s Niklas Hartwegand Amy Baserga claimed third place, 49.6 seconds back, and used 8 spares.

 

In the beginning of the race Norway, Switzerland, and United States rivaled for the best position. After the second tag, Norway pulled ahead, mostly thanks to their precise shooting (+8.1). France tagged as second and Switzerland as third.

 

The wind was troubling for many but Christiansen, Guigonnat and Hartweg cleared prone and did not have many difficulties in standing either. They tagged in the same order as in the second exchange. Tandrevold was strong on the track, increasing the gap, and was 26 seconds in the lead arriving at the prone shooting. She cleaned both shootings to secure the first mixed relay win of the season.

 

“I am really happy with the win. It was a bit different going on the track first and skipping the last loop. I felt pretty good today so I wish I could also ski the last loop. I shot really fast in the last shooting stage. I was trying to give Ingrid as many seconds as possible. I believed it to be more than enough with her today’s performance,” commented Christiansen after the race.

 

Tandrevold shared his joy: “We had amazing skis today. I was a bit surprised to be faster than the French but also very happy. I was also a bit surprised with my performance in the last shooting but I am happy that I was able to keep my focus on.”

 

Jeanmonnot used one spare in the last shooting stage but had enough big advantage to keep the lead on the track, finishing second, despite Switzerland’s Baserga pushing hard to proceed. Young Swiss was still very satisfied with reaching the podium.

 

Finland claimed fifth place (+1:33.3), Austria was fifth (+1:45.9) and United States duo finished as sixth (+2:01.4).