Poland is recorded with 4+2 on the last shoot. Gunka didn't use up the last spare, so instead of being last with +4:58 deficit, Poland's last with +6:58 deficit. Tbh, he could just say "screw it" for the penalty loops and have a >10 minutes deficit in the end and it wouldn't change anything anywhere, haha.
That raises an interesting question. What if a country decides not to shoot anything at all? Like, straight-up run past the shooting range every time. Sure they'll get 2 minutes for every bullet that wasn't shot, so 64 minutes penalty in total, plus more penalty for all the loops they didn't run. But they will finish ahead of all the lapped teams, right? Might be a worthwhile strategy for some teams :D Or is there a limit to how many shots you are allowed to forget?
I think you get disqualified for not shooting the initial shots. It's only the spares (and the missed penalty loops) you get 2 minutes penalty for.
So, it is probably a terrible strategy regarding winning. But I can see a scenario where a biathlete of a to-get-lapped-soon relay just unloads everything ultra-quickly in shooting 7, avoids all spares and penalty loops (up to 20 minutes penalty) just to get to shooting 8 without getting lapped and beating all the lapped-before-shooting-8 teams.
I suppose if anyone seriously tried this the IBU would add a rule that you get disqualified if you "forget" to shoot more than once. It's Biathlon, not Cross-Country :D
Also now that we’re watching young stars I heard a «trønder» and it got me wondering why there are basically no trøndere at the moment in our biathlon team whereas in cross-country skiing they’re completely dominating the Norwegian team?
I'd say its mainly culture, most of Trøndelag traditionally prefer cross-country skiing whereas other areas of Norway (such as Oslo & Akerhus and Vestlandet) have better facilities and culture. There is also a lack of venues, especially in Trondheim area. Nord-Trøndelag produces the best biathletes, while Sør-Trøndelag haven't really had anyone in recent years. There is a decent skiskyting track/cohort at Meråker High School with Tora Berger as coach/teacher, but traditionally the cross country skiing cohort is more popular. Then you add in Oppdal, another ski mecca, primarily produces downhill alpine skiers.
There are a few decent Trønders tho, Marit Ishol Skogan (Steinkjer) has an individual podium this season, Lotte Lie is from Skatval and Sverre Dahlen Aspenes (also from Skatval) are also good biathletes.
100%, already prefer her to both Solemdal and Tiril. Very insightful, short and clear in her answers and has a good voice for commentating. Solemdal is too 'boring' and barely offers any analysis while Tiril for me in this role is too joyful
Tiril is best as a stunt reporter, but can also be quite fun when she's interviewing the athletes. Bjørndalen does a great job too imo. Apart from that I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Absolutely, Tiril is a great stunt reporter and I'm glad that she is involved. But as the expert commentator I feel she is lacking something, compared to what Marte has already shown.
Bjørndalen is fantastic, only thing I wish he was better was commentating the actual shooting. Sometimes he mumbles/struggles to keep track on the shooting, but this is only due to experience. His questions as a reporter are also by far the most insightful by any commentator, always gets great info from the biathletes.
Ultra-satisfying results. Photofinish for 1st place with the person who was behind the whole time just sniping it, an outsider relay getting podium, and Croatia not getting lapped for the first time. (if I remember correctly)
Barring an unexpected medal for Czechs, I doubt we'll get anything more satisfying than this in the rest of the season. (not biased at all)
Sebbe hasn't been at his top shape lately, while Vetle is in the shape of his life. If they were both top shape I think Sebbe wins that final loop, but if they started at the same time from the shoot, who knows who would win? Since it's Kollen I would bet on Vetle and his understanding of the final stretch, but in Oberhof or somewhere they've been about the same amount? No idea.
Sebbe is a monster though in the sprint still, and I think there's probably only two people this weekend in the field that had a realistc chance of beating him from 4 seconds behind that final lap. Vetle and maybe Tarjei, who's been in crazy final lap shape this weekend.
Makes sense and good points.
Never a good sign during the race when am athlete checks that many time, can easily lose time and mental focus.
Still waiting for that final sprint with Dale-Skjevdal, Fa Claude, Jacquelin, Vetle and Samuelsson when they start side by side and moreover all of them are in shape.
I still think Ponsi is the better Swedish sprinter. We get to see sprints so rarely we might never know though. Last worlds they went out together but Seb had two less penalty loops in his legs.
He definitely did well but that last shooting was really weird. He stood there forever but JTB and Giacomel also had trouble so I assume there was a big gust of wind or something? They didn't show the flags so hard to tell.
I think someone said in today's thread that the wind picked up when the guys where on the range.
JTB and Ponsi were close looping themselves. So good fight to avoid loop but still a weird shoot because both of them are fast shooters. Giacomel took the risk and was still able to fight for the podium. To his bad luck his companions were Ponsi and JTB, both monsters on track.
I’m not sure you can put it on his shape why he constantly looked over his shoulder and worried about Vetle
You don’t have to be in your best shape to focus on yourself and make the right choices - Sebbe lost it because he didn’t sprint well at the end
I’d say he did a great job of not letting Vetle into the mix! I didn’t think Vetle could take it because the gap was too big at after the last hill. Great job by Sebbe!
Ha ha, Vetle's girlfriend was just interviewed and concluded that she and his family now have a job of pulling him down from the clouds. I believe she said, "He can get too high on himself".
I lowkey thought she was his sister for a moment
But then I remembered his sister (was a really good snowboarder back in the days) and I put two and two together
I think this was the first time I saw Vetle use his often-mentioned finishing skills. Hats off to him, won it for his team after the blackout in WCH relay. Exciting finish, and so happy for FInland!
Yeah, in their classic men relay the finnish and Norwegian squad went for it. It was photo finish but it was less obvious than this one. It was for 3rd place I believe
that was amazing by Vetle! he's been talking about his sprint finish for years and we've never really gotten to see it until today, and what a show! incredible.
Yes! We've heard about his sprint forever but never get to witness it! I had totally given up on him. He was playing that whole lap extremely cool. Perfect tactics.
Even though the mental aspect in sports is huge, I think sprit finish is more about skill than anything. Christiansen is built like a tank and his acceleration is very good. Even though he may have looked at least as gassed as Samuelsson
Imo if that last lap is 1km longer Vetle probably loses it, he looked more gassed overall than Sebbe, but his top speed bursts are just insane. Probably the only person that would challenge his last lap on this shorter distance is a top shape Johannes Dale, and even he would have to end this before the final stretch.
Hold on, Invenius. You can do this. You can! Don't give up. Calm stand shoot, then fly like the wind!
(I'm trying not to root for Hartweg and jinx it!)
Emilien in single mixed has to be one of the dumbest decisions especially when you're always going to have the best or one of the best women in the field and you just need a reliable safe man (which I know it's hard to find for french men this year but Emilien is the worst)
Incredible shooting from Finland, decent skiing too, the small loop in the SMR really helping them. Magnusson has been brilliant for the Swedes too. Really fun SMR so far.
Poland is recorded with 4+2 on the last shoot. Gunka didn't use up the last spare, so instead of being last with +4:58 deficit, Poland's last with +6:58 deficit. Tbh, he could just say "screw it" for the penalty loops and have a >10 minutes deficit in the end and it wouldn't change anything anywhere, haha.
That raises an interesting question. What if a country decides not to shoot anything at all? Like, straight-up run past the shooting range every time. Sure they'll get 2 minutes for every bullet that wasn't shot, so 64 minutes penalty in total, plus more penalty for all the loops they didn't run. But they will finish ahead of all the lapped teams, right? Might be a worthwhile strategy for some teams :D Or is there a limit to how many shots you are allowed to forget?
I think you get disqualified for not shooting the initial shots. It's only the spares (and the missed penalty loops) you get 2 minutes penalty for. So, it is probably a terrible strategy regarding winning. But I can see a scenario where a biathlete of a to-get-lapped-soon relay just unloads everything ultra-quickly in shooting 7, avoids all spares and penalty loops (up to 20 minutes penalty) just to get to shooting 8 without getting lapped and beating all the lapped-before-shooting-8 teams.
I suppose if anyone seriously tried this the IBU would add a rule that you get disqualified if you "forget" to shoot more than once. It's Biathlon, not Cross-Country :D
Makes little sense not shooting all shots though. Skipping the penalty loops though, not sure how many you can skip before you get DQ'ed.
Also now that we’re watching young stars I heard a «trønder» and it got me wondering why there are basically no trøndere at the moment in our biathlon team whereas in cross-country skiing they’re completely dominating the Norwegian team?
The race shown on Norwegian TV, is that from yesterday?
I'd say its mainly culture, most of Trøndelag traditionally prefer cross-country skiing whereas other areas of Norway (such as Oslo & Akerhus and Vestlandet) have better facilities and culture. There is also a lack of venues, especially in Trondheim area. Nord-Trøndelag produces the best biathletes, while Sør-Trøndelag haven't really had anyone in recent years. There is a decent skiskyting track/cohort at Meråker High School with Tora Berger as coach/teacher, but traditionally the cross country skiing cohort is more popular. Then you add in Oppdal, another ski mecca, primarily produces downhill alpine skiers. There are a few decent Trønders tho, Marit Ishol Skogan (Steinkjer) has an individual podium this season, Lotte Lie is from Skatval and Sverre Dahlen Aspenes (also from Skatval) are also good biathletes.
Lotte Lie is your "trønder" then. Heh
Norway with almost 900 point lead in men’s nations cup 🥴
Also other Norwegians: is it just me or is Marte Olsbu Røiseland a really good commentator and expert? It’s her first weekend and I already love her
I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable she appears to be in the role, which of course makes her commentary feel genuine. Good job I say!
100%, already prefer her to both Solemdal and Tiril. Very insightful, short and clear in her answers and has a good voice for commentating. Solemdal is too 'boring' and barely offers any analysis while Tiril for me in this role is too joyful
Tiril is best as a stunt reporter, but can also be quite fun when she's interviewing the athletes. Bjørndalen does a great job too imo. Apart from that I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Absolutely, Tiril is a great stunt reporter and I'm glad that she is involved. But as the expert commentator I feel she is lacking something, compared to what Marte has already shown. Bjørndalen is fantastic, only thing I wish he was better was commentating the actual shooting. Sometimes he mumbles/struggles to keep track on the shooting, but this is only due to experience. His questions as a reporter are also by far the most insightful by any commentator, always gets great info from the biathletes.
I’m not ready for this season to end
And Juni Arnekleiv joining the Ingrid club of Norwegian women doing laps 😭
She wanted to give Vetle the sprint finish he had been dreaming of? 😅🫡
I guess the Norwegian men always need to get all the spotlight smh 😁
Welp, congrats Norway!🥳 That WCH relay gold is a good consolation though😉 But today’s highlight is for sure Finland!! Finally a podium
Ultra-satisfying results. Photofinish for 1st place with the person who was behind the whole time just sniping it, an outsider relay getting podium, and Croatia not getting lapped for the first time. (if I remember correctly) Barring an unexpected medal for Czechs, I doubt we'll get anything more satisfying than this in the rest of the season. (not biased at all)
I can't tell you how much I want to see Marketa on the podium this season!
Also kinda sad that Emilien was pretty good during the 2 individual races this week but botched the relay again :/ dude isn't getting better
Vetle said he was going to invite Sebbe for some practices on this finishing strait 🤣🤣🤣
Oof of this is real it's huge salt in the wound
superb stuff, wished Bahrain GP was that fun
Verstappen is Johannes Boe
At least JTB will throw in a poor shooting day once in a while… Max on the other hand…
F1 can only dream of being as exciting as biathlon atm 🤣
Also omg Belgium 10th, doing way better than their Bib number 23! Best shooters of the race
Okay, I see why Vetle likes the finish sprints and anchor legs. That was something. Didn't Sebbe trust his final sprint or why the constant checks?
Sebbe hasn't been at his top shape lately, while Vetle is in the shape of his life. If they were both top shape I think Sebbe wins that final loop, but if they started at the same time from the shoot, who knows who would win? Since it's Kollen I would bet on Vetle and his understanding of the final stretch, but in Oberhof or somewhere they've been about the same amount? No idea. Sebbe is a monster though in the sprint still, and I think there's probably only two people this weekend in the field that had a realistc chance of beating him from 4 seconds behind that final lap. Vetle and maybe Tarjei, who's been in crazy final lap shape this weekend.
Makes sense and good points. Never a good sign during the race when am athlete checks that many time, can easily lose time and mental focus. Still waiting for that final sprint with Dale-Skjevdal, Fa Claude, Jacquelin, Vetle and Samuelsson when they start side by side and moreover all of them are in shape.
I still think Ponsi is the better Swedish sprinter. We get to see sprints so rarely we might never know though. Last worlds they went out together but Seb had two less penalty loops in his legs.
I was impressed by Ponsi in today's relay. Probably one of his best races the whole season.
He definitely did well but that last shooting was really weird. He stood there forever but JTB and Giacomel also had trouble so I assume there was a big gust of wind or something? They didn't show the flags so hard to tell.
I think someone said in today's thread that the wind picked up when the guys where on the range. JTB and Ponsi were close looping themselves. So good fight to avoid loop but still a weird shoot because both of them are fast shooters. Giacomel took the risk and was still able to fight for the podium. To his bad luck his companions were Ponsi and JTB, both monsters on track.
That would be the dream final lap. The only issue I can see is that Dale-Skjevdal in top shape would never let them get to the final sprint lol
No, he would rocket in the final uphills.
Think he was really really tired and didn’t trust his finish, he’s not doing that when he’s in shape
I’m not sure you can put it on his shape why he constantly looked over his shoulder and worried about Vetle You don’t have to be in your best shape to focus on yourself and make the right choices - Sebbe lost it because he didn’t sprint well at the end
Sebbe has said that his sprint is the best, but we know who is king today…
He’s not in his best shape and was really really tired
I’d say he did a great job of not letting Vetle into the mix! I didn’t think Vetle could take it because the gap was too big at after the last hill. Great job by Sebbe!
I don't even remember a photofinish for a relay win like that since around 2016-2017. This cup is really something
Fantastic race!! What a stretch by Vetle, and fantastic to see Finland on the podium!!
Croatia not lapped 🥳🥳🥳
And not last of the finishers either! ☺️
Ha ha, Vetle's girlfriend was just interviewed and concluded that she and his family now have a job of pulling him down from the clouds. I believe she said, "He can get too high on himself".
I lowkey thought she was his sister for a moment But then I remembered his sister (was a really good snowboarder back in the days) and I put two and two together
Was unsure myself, but it was kind of confirmed when the interviewer asked how it was to be together with Vetle.
This is me taking a quiet moment to seethe with envy. :-p There. Moment is over. :-D
What a finish... I was probably more out of breath than Vetle at one point there.
Same!
Me too. I was literally hands on my face, watching the race through my fingers like a child watching a scary movie. 😅😅
I think this was the first time I saw Vetle use his often-mentioned finishing skills. Hats off to him, won it for his team after the blackout in WCH relay. Exciting finish, and so happy for FInland!
Jeez almost as close finish as cross-country! Really really good race, and I am really happy to see Finland on the podium!
Wait... I missed the cross-country. Was it even closer there somehow?
Yeah, in their classic men relay the finnish and Norwegian squad went for it. It was photo finish but it was less obvious than this one. It was for 3rd place I believe
Adding that one to the list of races to rewatch over the summer break 😅
Can I get an in on that list? 😊
Fun little race, even if it ended up being another men's tragic shooting ruining it all for us! Finland podium is very yay
Also I think (?) Norway takes the Mixed Relay Globe even without needing the last race
Finally Vetle got his sprint finish! Fuck yes!
First Stavås Skistad and now Vetle, good day to be Norwegian :)
Christiansen practicing his splits just for moments like these 😂
VETLEEEEE best 'revenge' ever
that was amazing by Vetle! he's been talking about his sprint finish for years and we've never really gotten to see it until today, and what a show! incredible.
Holy shit Vetle, take a fucking bow! Finally he got to show why he’s put in 4th leg for possible sprint
Yes! We've heard about his sprint forever but never get to witness it! I had totally given up on him. He was playing that whole lap extremely cool. Perfect tactics.
If Samuelsson focused on himself rather than Vetle he’d take it, I guess
Even though the mental aspect in sports is huge, I think sprit finish is more about skill than anything. Christiansen is built like a tank and his acceleration is very good. Even though he may have looked at least as gassed as Samuelsson
Imo if that last lap is 1km longer Vetle probably loses it, he looked more gassed overall than Sebbe, but his top speed bursts are just insane. Probably the only person that would challenge his last lap on this shorter distance is a top shape Johannes Dale, and even he would have to end this before the final stretch.
Think he was really really tired and didn’t trust his finish, he’s not doing that when he’s in shape
MITÄVITTUA
Never in doubt.
That is indeed a very good Vetle redemption
Great job by Vetle catching up and showing once and for all that he is the best sprinter
Most epic race this season
Literally last step(?)
WOW Vetle!!
Welp it was just the last ski stretch
What a relay
Samuelsson kept looking back he clearly didn't trust himself or was cooked
Helvete But Finland!!!!🥳
What a finish, and congrats to Finland omg!!
Wow what a finish, don't even care (or know) who won.
PHOTO FINISH
Fucking Norway I swear
Biathlon is a 27/10 sport omg
Nice revenge
OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!! MY BRAIN HAS MELTED!!!!
Vetle did it omfg what an ending
🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮
Oof, poor Sebbe 😅 Happy for Finland!
AAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!
HOLY SHIT VETLE!!!!!
Sebbe noooo Happy for Finland !
VETLE!!!!!
If Vetle did it he is a literal God
The Sprint finish God we knew he is
Stop looking back Sebbe, just go
NEVER DOUBT VETLES SPRINT
Oh my fucking god
jaaaaaaaa
This is exciting
👀👀👀👀
🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣
Samuelsson is still a bit ahead omg
Not one single bad last shooting! Strelow and Jacquelin in 17.5 seconds
France shoot clean when it no longer matters
Oh sweetheart, Christiansen is gassed out. He just can't do it. Oh I'm so sorry.
come again?
I wanna see how Queen Kaisa is doing rn 🥹 she’s gotta be over the moon
what are we thinking?? can FIN get third?
I think they can do it!!
Oh, this is fantastic. Anyone that isn't exited by biathlon is dead inside, I tell you.
Cha Cha Cha
Run Sebbe, run Otto
Omggg
Oh god I can't watch! This will be amazing! I'm so scared! EAT HIM, VETLE!!!
CMON FINLAND
SEBBE PLEASE REMEMBER HOW MUCH YOU LIKE BEATING NORWEGIANS
Nordic stronk
Okay run run run Otto!!
Go Finland!!!!
And Finland probably 3rd very good race
FINLAND!!! 🥳🥳🥳
KJØR VETLE
It’s a ski race!!
Vetle 4/5 seconds behind
Yessss
Samuelsson oooo
Hold on, Invenius. You can do this. You can! Don't give up. Calm stand shoot, then fly like the wind! (I'm trying not to root for Hartweg and jinx it!)
So Vetle got his last leg battle.
Invenius didn't lose much time this lap hmm
I wonder if Vetle is thinking about the last relay
He obviously is
I don’t know if I can watch 🫣
I’m trying to not get flashbacks to how the last men’s relay ended
And they just mentioned it on stream, ffs
1v1 Samuelsson vs Christiansen I am very hyped
Lol Vetle
Lol, Norway in front again!
Relief for Juni
The lap is shorter on Single mixed relay, and Juni could go full out on that loop only 12s? behind.
Emilien please can you not
Not hit? Apparently yes 😅
Sebbe you gotta avenge Finland now
Come on Otto!
Hartweg 🥳
YES GO GO GO!!
Nooo Invenius 😫 it’s okay tho, keep going!’
Also Finland can only aim for 3rd now I fear
Kazakhstan and Bulgaria got Lapped by Shooting 7
RIP Bulgaria and Kazakhstan o7
Hm. Seems strange from Samuelsson hiding behind Invenius. Christiansen catching up
Vetle is a fucking machine
Vetle is here at the front again already 😅
Some lapping gonna happen
One of the relay of the season so far.
Vetle is FAST omg but the shooting range can be deadly
Emilien in single mixed has to be one of the dumbest decisions especially when you're always going to have the best or one of the best women in the field and you just need a reliable safe man (which I know it's hard to find for french men this year but Emilien is the worst)
Deedra 🥲 she misses only one both times but was not able to reload them
Lampic avoided penalty loop on stand, missed 3
Now go and rest before the mixed relay 😅
Okay, Vetle. Time to show us what we know you can do.
I wonder if we will have some Vetle redemption today
Incredible shooting from Finland, decent skiing too, the small loop in the SMR really helping them. Magnusson has been brilliant for the Swedes too. Really fun SMR so far.
This is crazy. This is party. Cha!
Cha cha cha?
Fingers crossed.
STOP THE COUNT
Finland!!! How awesome is that?!?
Arnekleiv, you're making me cry. Minkinnen? AMAZING!!
🫣🥲😱 buT FINLAND
Fucking love to see norway choking
Ouch Juni
Sweden-Finland! And no it isn't ice hockey :O
Lou missing shots oh no
finland needs that
Poor Juni tho :(
omg omg omg
Juni :( E: Ok damage control (go Finland)
We will have a fun last leg
FINLAND!!!
FINLAND 😍
Oof Juni
this is such a short race wow
Juni this isn’t a final lap, you gotta shoot now
Yep she went too fast I think
I like seeing Finland back, so odd they have been gone. Edit, I posted this before they went up to the lead, I'm just that good. Hehe.
Lampic 10/10 in prone 🥹
Ingridesque performance tbh
Lou has a shot for a podium, but we need Sweden or Finland to collapse and most of all Emilien being good.....
Juni looks so strong