Saturday,November 30 at 18:24
The battle for victory was between Norway,Sweden,and france going into the last shooting
What seemed like an impossible task for the Norwegian would turn out to be possible as he caught up with both Martin Ponsiluoma and Émilien Jacquelin in the final round,securing Norwegian cheers in the finish area.
– I can hardly believe I’ve seen something crazier in a final round, exclaimed Marius Skjelbæk during the TV 2 broadcast.
The victory shows signs of betterment from the Norwegian athletes after a fifth place in the pairs relay earlier on Saturday.There,Sweden won,demonstrating strong form on the first day of the World Cup season.
Brilliant First Round
In dense snowfall, Karoline Knotten delivered a brilliant first round with flawless shooting, and Norway was in the lead at the first exchange.
– That’s a six on the dice for the opening leg.It’s flawless; it’s gorgeous, exclaimed Ole Kristian Stoltenberg during the TV 2 broadcast.
Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold followed suit and delivered five perfect shots in the first series. In the standing position, there was one miss, and Tandrevold had to let Swedish Elvira Öberg pass in the final round.
Four Misses
Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, however, missed four shots in his leg, and suddenly it was a long way up to the lead.
Much changed after troubled Norwegian and Swedish series in the last prone, and heading into the final round, it was France and Sweden in the lead. Still, neither Jacquelin nor Ponsiluoma could hold off Sørum as they approached the finish.
earlier on Saturday, Juni Arnekleiv and Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen led Norway to a disappointing fifth place in the pairs relay. The competition will continue on sunday with relays for both women and men at the same venue.
How has Norway’s performance in biathlon evolved over the years, particularly in mixed relay events?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to this special interview! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Bjørn Eriksen, an expert in biathlon and Nordic sports. Bjørn, thank you for joining us.
Bjørn Eriksen (BE): Thank you for having me!
TNE: Let’s dive right in.last Saturday, Vebjørn Sørum completed the final leg for Norway in the mixed relay in Kontiolahti. Can you share your thoughts on Norway’s performance in that event?
BE: Absolutely! Norway has been a powerhouse in biathlon for years, and their performance in Kontiolahti was consistent with that tradition. Vebjørn Sørum, in particular, showed remarkable skill and composure in the final leg, which is crucial in such high-stakes races.
TNE: What specific strategies do you believe contributed to Sørum’s success during his leg of the relay?
BE: One key factor is his ability to manage pressure. In a relay, especially at the final leg, athletes face immense pressure as they not only compete against other teams but also carry the hopes of their nation. Sørum also displayed excellent shooting accuracy, which is fundamental in biathlon.His endurance and pacing during the skiing leg are what really set him apart.
TNE: The mixed relay format combines different genders and disciplines. How does this impact team dynamics and performance?
BE: The mixed relay format adds an interesting layer to team dynamics. Teams must balance out the strengths and weaknesses of each athlete. Effective dialog and strategic planning are vital, as each member must understand their role and how to leverage their respective skills for the team’s advantage.Norway’s success frequently enough comes down to their cohesive teamwork and ability to adapt.
TNE: How does training for a mixed relay differ from individual events in biathlon?
BE: Training for a mixed relay involves a collaborative approach. Athletes must focus not only on their individual performance but also on synchronization with their teammates. This includes practicing transitions, coordinating pacing, and sometiems even joint training sessions to build chemistry on the course.
TNE: what challenges do you think Sørum and his teammates faced during the race?
BE: one significant challenge is the changing conditions of the course. Weather and snow can significantly affect performance, and maintaining focus amid those changes is essential. Additionally, managing the emotional highs and lows during the race is a challenge that can affect concentration levels.
TNE: Reflecting on the path ahead, what do you foresee for Norway in future biathlon events?
BE: I believe norway will continue to be a dominant force, especially with emerging talents showing potential. The depth of their squad and the support from their training facilities are major advantages. However, competition is increasing globally, so they must adapt and innovate to maintain their edge.
TNE: what advice would you give young athletes aspiring to compete in biathlon?
BE: Focus on building a strong foundation in both skiing and shooting. Equally vital is to stay committed and disciplined in your training. It’s vital to enjoy the process and remain patient—success in biathlon frequently enough comes over time with continuous effort and resilience.
TNE: Thank you, Bjørn, for sharing thes insights with us today. Your expertise enhances our understanding of this dynamic sport!
BE: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure to discuss biathlon with you.