Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel used his ski speed and a blindingly fast standing stage to secure Italy’s victory in this afternoon’s Nove Mesto 4 X 6 km Mixed Relay. Giacomel and teammates Dorothea Wierer, Lisa Vittozzi and Lukas Hofer needed ten spare rounds in their 1:03:11.7 victory. Today’s win was Italy’s third in the discipline. Today’s win was Italy’s third in the discipline, their first since winning at Oestersund in November of 2019, with Wierer, Vittozzi and Hofer also on that squad.

“Good day to be Italian”

The Italian anchor and current Yellow Bib holder understating his overpowering effort, “I had a good day. I did a good job today, had a good starting position for my leg. I think I did well. I am really happy, the whole team also the wax team coaches all did a really good job. It was a really good day to be Italian!”

“Soaking up all the positive energy”

On the last loop, Giacomel’s big lead gave him time to celebrate, slapping a few hands and waving to the boisterous crowd. “On the last loop, I was soaking in all of the positive energy. The crowds here are really amazing. It was almost difficult to hear my own heartbeat. It was a really special day.”

France with seven spares finished second, 24.7 seconds back. The home team finished third, with seven spares, 57.2 seconds back after anchor Michal Krcmar’s adrenalin-filled anchor leg brought them for fifth at the final exchange.

The USA, with seven spares finished fourth, equaling their all-time best, 59.5 seconds back. Switzerland with eight spares finished fifth, 1:20.9 back, while Norway with two penalties and eight spares finished sixth, 1:41.1 back.

Photos: IBU/Jaroslav Svoboda, Yevchenko, Nordic Focus