The 2011 World Cup Total Score winner was filled with emotion and tears as he explained his decision, “I told Norwegian TV just 5 minutes ago that this would be my last season, so that is why (the tears). My first victory here in Antholz; I said to myself if I won again, I would say it, because I want to give it maximum attention and have it as a memory. Nothing is better while I am winning. This was a really nice day. My wife is here. I got my second victory this season, first here in Antholz; a really tough and exciting one. It was the right one to say it. Now I can feel relieved and can enjoy the rest of the season.”
Laegreid with one penalty in his second-place finish, was “a bit disappointed at the finish after being so close. But after Tarjei’s announcement, it is his day today. He has been one of my biggest inspirations and he really deserves it.”
Despite finishing second, Laegreid took over the Yellow Bib, 3 points ahead of JT Boe, “I am just where I want to be, in the fight with Johannes and feel the pressure…I want a good battle.”
Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel with two penalties, finished third, 2.6 seconds back. A third Norwegian Martin Uldal with one penalty finished fourth, 20.5 seconds back. Ukraine’s Dmytro Pidruchnyi, with one penalty finished fifth, 22 seconds back. Slovenia’s Jakov Fak shot clean in sixth place, 26.8 seconds back.
The men had a fine sunny, almost windless day for their first competition at the new Antholz layout. Laegreid was fast and clean in prone and a dozen seconds faster than the also-clean Tarjei. Giacomel with a penalty was 15 seconds back but skiing very well on his home tracks. Late starter Uldal also clean and 11 seconds back.
Tarjei went through the standing stage in his usual staccato style, securing the lead with five perfect shots. Laegreid shot as fast, missed his last shot but left the penalty loop .6 seconds behind his teammate. Giacomel missed a second shot but was up to third 10 seconds back.
The Norwegian veteran had a strong last loop, barely holding off the charging Laegreid while Giacomel stormed home third, 2.6 seconds back.
Photos: IBU/Yevenko, Nordic Focus