Norway Runs to Hochfilzen Relay Win

Norwegian anchor Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen’s ten perfect shots secured a runaway 1:15:38.5 victory in this morning’s Hochfilzen Men’s 4 X 7.5 km relay. Christiansen, given a 56-second lead by third leg Johannes Boe was under such little pressure that he turned around and bowed to Coach Siegfried Mazet after closing his last standing target. Christiansen JT, Tarjei Boe and Sturla Holm Laegreid used just five spare rounds in a victory that saw JT run away from the field in his last loop.

Chaos, then Calm

Christiansen, the ultimate showman called his leg, “a lot of fun. It started a bit complicated breaking my pole, before I actually started actually. I had to get a pole that was a bit short for me, then I changed to my own pole but it had the wrong basket, a small one so I had to change again. It was kind of chaotic in my head, but that made me particularly calm at the shooting range.”

Birthday Bow for Mazet

Regarding the bow to Mazet, “ I really wanted to do something for Ziggy today since it is his birthday, so I guess he was satisfied. (Mazet acknowledged the bow with a huge smile and nod to Christiansen).”

As for the huge lead given to him, he added, “I have been in this situation many times, Even if we leave with one minute, it is not that easy to stand there and know you have everything to lose. I usually use one spare bullet so it was really nice to make him (Mazet) proud today (shooting clean).”

Watch Highlights Here

France, with six spare rounds finished second, 28.87 seconds back after Christiansen’s relaxed last loop. Germany recovered from a first leg penalty to finish third, with nine additional spare rounds, 1:06.9 back.

Twenty teams lined up for the second relay of the season with +3C and light range winds. Laegreid led the field out of the first prone, but France’s Eric Perrot shot fast and clean in standing, tagging Emilien Jacquelin 9.1 seconds ahead of Tarjei Boe. Germany fell to 13th 59 seconds back.

Jacquelin and Tarjei battled in the second leg. The French star shot faster, but the Norwegian veteran was faster on the tracks, tagging his brother six seconds ahead of the French team.

JT’s Impeccable Standing Stage

JT put a huge gap on the field before prone, then missed two shots, took clicks, and cleaned. Fabien Claude cleaned in five, leaving a step behind. Nawrath brought Germany into third. JT’s standing was impeccable: hitting the mat, using one spare and gone in 23 seconds.

BMW IBU World Cup 2 Hochfilzen Men's 4X 7.5 Km Relay

He gave Christiansen a whopping 56-second lead, also handing Christiansen a spare pole at the exchange. Christiansen closed prone easily and did the same in standing. He then stopped, bowed to Coach Siegfried Mazet, leaving with victory in hand over France with Germany in third.

Italy, finished fourth, 1:24.1 back; Ukraine fifth, 2:24.9 back and Sweden sixth, 2:36.4 back. Photos: IBU/Jasmin Walter

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