In the distance of 15 kilometers, V. Strolia completed just one penalty lap (shooting 0+0+0+1) and was 55.6 seconds behind the victorious Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Boe (1+0+1+1).
Norwegian biathletes took the first four positions: they finished second in 19.3 seconds. behind Vetle Sjaasted Christiansen (1+0+1+0), third – 35.3 seconds. Sturla Holmas Laegreidas (1+0+1+0) lost to the winner, and the fourth – 36.4 seconds. Tarjei Beo (0+0+0+1) descended to her brother.
5.9 sec. V. Strolias was surpassed by Frenchman Emilien Jacquelin (0+1+1+0), who overtook him in the last lap.
Until now, the highest position of the best Lithuanian biathlete this season was won at the first stage of the Planet Cup in Kontiolahti, Finland. There he took 8th place in the 20 km individual race.
– For the first time this season, you made it to the flower ceremony, and for the first time in history, a representative of Lithuania made it to the Top-15 of the general start event. What are the emotions after the historic performance? How was the competition?– biathlonltu.com asked V. Strolias.
– This flower ceremony was needed not only for me, but also for the coaches. We waited and waited, we were close to her – finally we succeeded. I am very happy for myself and for the coaches, the team got motivation and positive. As for the competition itself, the team staff prepared the skis perfectly and the condition of the track was very good in comparison – the track was quite hard in the warm temperature, which I like.
Shooting and the correct placement of forces also helped today, I was able to compete with the leaders, drive behind them and not break away. I was always behind someone, except on the fourth lap when Johannes and the group got away a bit, but the plan was to ride at my own pace and not over the limit. The last lap was difficult, the wind picked up. At the finish line, I drove as much as I could, I gave myself as much as I could. Anyway, I’m really very satisfied, everything is fine.
– You mentioned that last year’s fifth place in the pursuit was more pleasant than fourth in the sprint. Does today’s position in contact competitions give more satisfaction?
– It is emotionally more pleasant to take a high place in a contact fight. Everything is visible, you have to have a completely different patience when others are chasing you. I am very happy that I managed to take such a place in the general start race. I needed that flower ceremony emotionally, I’m so glad I was able to do it today.
– After the personal competition on Wednesday, you went to Antholz and returned yesterday. Why was this decision made?
– This is what we decided about the world championship – to go to the highlands as early as possible to stay there as many days as possible before the world championship. If I hadn’t made it to the mass start, I would have stayed there, but since I had this opportunity to participate in the general start, I didn’t want to miss it. I came back last night, did some work and am about to leave again. Just to achieve the maximum effect of the high mountains and to prepare as well as possible for the world championship.
– During the flower ceremony, you warmly communicated with the titled rivals. Do you feel that the brightest stars on the planet recognize and acknowledge you?
– The biathletes I met are all very friendly. We support each other and cheer for each other. When we get to the top six, we’re all happy. I think my opponents know me. When we competed in the pursuit in Kontiolahti, the Norwegian coach told Tarjei Boe that Strolia was riding behind him – at least he knows the last name (laughs – author post). When it’s not the first time in the sixties, it’s normal that we know each other.
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