After a very strong Norwegian relay, anchorman Thingnes Bø got the honor of crossing the finish line 1 minute and eight seconds ahead of second place Italy in Czech Nove Mesto.
Tiril Eckhoff, newly crowned winner of the women’s world cup, laid the foundation for the victory with a perfect opening stage. She hit all ten flashes and switched with a 27.3 second lead to the nearest challenger, Russia.
Marte Olsbu Røiseland followed up with an approximately equally strong stage. She had to use one extra shot, but increased the distance down to the competitors to 50.2 seconds.
Tarjei Bø needed two extra shots on the two shots, but he also increased the Norwegian lead. When he sent his little brother out on the anchor leg, Norway was over a minute ahead of Italy and Sweden, which were closest.
Thingnes Bø had to use an extra shot on horizontal shooting, but hit all the flashes on standing. He had a 1.20 minute lead into the final round and was able to control the victory.
(© NTB)
–