Norway was almost hopelessly mired in 11th position, after second leg Johannes Dale-Skjevdal picked up two penalties, but rebounded with strong third leg by Martin Uldal and a finish straightaway sprint by anchor Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen sealing a 1:20:29.1 win in the Oberhof Men’s 4 X 7.5 km Relay this morning. The trio and leadoff leg Isaak Leknes Frey finished with the two penalties and seven spares in their third relay win of the season.

France, also far back 14th after Emilien Jacquelin’s two penalties, clawed their way back into contention with anchor Eric Perrot, dueling Christiansen on the last loop and bringing them home second, 2.6 seconds back with two penalties and nine spares. Sweden, with ten spares finished third, 3.8 seconds back.

Photos: IBU/Heilwagen, Yevenko, Nordic Focus