Norway’s Johan-Olav Botn, wearing the Yellow Bib for the first time in his career, defended the top spot with his second consecutive victory in this afternoon’s Oestersund Men’s 10 km Sprint. After shooting clean and dominating the Men’s 20 km Individual on Wednesday, he opened the season with a second consecutive victory, the first man to open the season with two consecutive victories since France’s Martin Fourcade in 2016, also in Oestersund. Botn cleaned prone 15 seconds off the lead, but picked up speed in the next loop, cleaned standing easily, romping to a 24:26.3 triumph.

“15 seconds behind…I thought the race was over”

Although it looked easy, Botn admitted the win did not come that easily. “I was a little bit shocked when I got to the first intermediate (split) and I was so far behind. I had quite good confidence after the last competition that I would ski fast. So. when I heard that I was 15 seconds behind, I was a little bit stressed. I thought the race was over there already, but I kind of turned it around. I am quite shocked that it was so good in the end.”

40-for-40, “really proud of this”

So far this season, Botn is 40-for-40 on the range but he knows his streak will not continue forever. “I am really proud of this, but I know I am on a flow right now. I know I am going to make mistakes later in the season, so I am trying to enjoy that I am getting every shot in. I am planning that I won’t get too sad when I miss!”

Wearing Yellow, “has been my dream since I was a little child. I kind felt a little bit prepared because I have been dreaming of it for so long, so many years now. It’s totally crazy.”

Botn’s teammate Martin Uldal shot clean, finishing second to Botn for the second consecutive day, 11.1 seconds back. France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet shot clean, 25 seconds back in third place.

Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid with one penalty just edged local hero Sebastian Samuelsson, also with a penalty, 25 to 25.1 seconds back. Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen shot clean in sixth, 29.7 seconds back, giving Norway 4 of the top 6 finishers.

Snowy afternoon

103 men started the new season’s first men’s sprint with light snow falling. Yellow Bib Botn cleaned prone but was 15 seconds of Campbell Wright’s best time. Uldal also cleaned, 9 seconds faster; Fillon Maillet was buried in 17th position.

Uldal Battles Wind in Standing

Botn picked up the pace, cleaning standing for the lead. Uldal battled the wind on his last shot, losing precious seconds, heading into the last loop 9.9 seconds back. Fillon Maillet also cleaned, 4 seconds ahead of Uldal.

Botn skied powerfully on the last loop, with no one able to challenge. Uldal lost time but slipped ahead of Fillon Maillet for second.

The Oestersund BMW IBU World Cup closes with pursuits on Sunday. Photos: IBU/Per Danielsson, Christian Manzoni, Nordic Focus