Updated 00.29 | Published 2024-02-07 18.30
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NOVE MESTO. Sweden opened the Biathlon World Cup with a bronze.
Elvira Öberg was close to winning the medal in the mixed relay – but broke the Swiss Amy Baserga on the last lap.
– There was nothing else, says Öberg.
At the last shoot, Elvira Öberg had the bronze in her hand but needed two extra shots, causing her to slip down to fourth place and Switzerland in third place leaving the last shoot twelve seconds ahead of Sweden.
But Öberg was responsible for a strong sprint lap and both caught up with and passed the Swiss Amy Baserga. Sweden took the bronze with a margin of 1.2 seconds.
– There was nothing else but that we should have this bronze, says Öberg.
“Very good stroke”
Öberg thought she was in control even though she had to chase on the last lap.
– I have had to catch up and pass her (Amy Baserga) a few times before during the competition, so I feel that I have quite a big advantage over her. I know she can do very good sprint laps as well, but I feel that I am in very good shape and then not many people catch me. I felt “we have this medal even if I have to chase a little”, she says.
France won the relay in superior style, 45 seconds ahead of Norway who had a further 17 seconds down to Sweden.
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full screen chevron-right next Elvira Öberg led Sweden to bronze.
1 / 2Photo: PETTER ARVIDSON / BILDBYRÅN
Samuelsson nervous
The Swedish bronze medal consisted of Sebastian Samuelsson, Martin Ponsiluoma, Hanna Öberg and Elvira Öberg.
Samuelsson rode second fastest of all on the first stretch but was forced to use a total of five extra shots. He shifted in seventh place, 47 seconds behind the lead, and Sweden was never in contention for gold after that.
– I’m not completely satisfied with the shooting, but all in all, it’s okay, says Samuelsson about his stretch.
He was nervous before the relay.
– It’s a tight race where you want a lot. You really want to have a good race and it is clear that you are nervous before then.
Martin Ponsiluoma was responsible for a more stable effort on the second leg. He needed an extra shot and had the third best ride time.
– I felt a little stiff during the ride, but it wasn’t bad, says Ponsiluoma.
Hanna Öberg fell
There were a number of incidents during the relay which was marked by a torrential downpour. Hanna Öberg fell on the third stage after colliding with the Swiss Lena Häcki-Gross.
It was not shown on TV, so Öberg tells what happened.
– It didn’t make sense, but she stepped on my ski and then it was a dead end for me, says Öberg.
– She could continue riding, but I was down in the snow.
Poles and skis held the fall.
– I guess I didn’t lose very many seconds on that, says Öberg.
