Vetle Wins – But Vebjørn’s Sprint Steals the Show at Sjusjøen

Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen dominated most of the men’s sprint during the Norwegian season premiere at Sjusjøen, appearing to be a clear winner until Vebjørn Sørum’s stunning final lap. 

Sørum, starting his last lap 36.9 seconds behind Vetle in 7th place, is known for his incredible finishes. This time, he delivered a remarkable effort, closing the gap to just 2.4 seconds by the finish, shaving over 30 seconds off the lead from the standing shoot to the finish line. 

“I was surprised to see I was just two seconds behind at the end. It felt great to push hard on the last lap,” Sørum told NRK. 

Vetle celebrated an important season-opening win, while Sørum’s performance boosted his chances for a spot at the World Cup premiere in Kontiolahti in two weeks. Martin Uldal also shined, securing the final podium spot with clean shooting, beating French stars Eric Perrot and Fabien Claude. 

Johannes Thingnes Bø, leading after the first shooting, missed twice in standing and struggled with fatigue, ultimately finishing just inside the top 10.

“It was tough, with harsh conditions and a body not quite ready for racing,” he admitted to NRK. 

The Norwegian national A-team showed mixed results, with Vetle, the Bø brothers, Sturla Holm Lægreid, Endre Strømsheim, and Johannes Dale-Skjevdal all looking set for the World Cup in Finland. Competition for the final spot is tight, with Sørum and Uldal leading the race. 

Top 5 – Men

1. Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen (NOR) (0-0), 23:40.5
2. Vebjørn Sørum (NOR) (1-0), +2.4
3. Martin Uldal (NOR) (0-0), +7.7
4. Eric Perrot (FRA) (0-0), +7.9
5. Fabien Claude (FRA) (1-0), +16.9

Complete results can be found HERE

Perfect Start to the Season for Landmark Tandrevold

Despite injuries and challenges during her preparation, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold had the Norwegian season start she dreamed of, securing a clear victory in the women’s sprint at Sjusjøen.

After a cautious beginning, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold pulled away from the competition, triumphing despite one penalty loop in the prone position. 

Last season, her standing shooting was a weak point, but this time, she delivered one of the best standing series of the day, overtaking the 40-year-old Olympic champion Anastasiya Kuzmina, who impressed in her comeback. 

“It was so much fun!” Ingrid exclaimed. 

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Her finish was masterful. Though trailing Karoline Erdal by over seven seconds before prone shooting, where she had a penalty loop, she crossed the finish line 12 seconds ahead of a delighted Emilie Ågheim Kalkenberg, with Gro Njølstad Randby securing a surprising third place. 

The event faced delays due to strong winds and icy tracks, creating a challenging morning for the organizers. Anastasiya Kuzmina impressed with a fourth-place finish, ahead of Ragnhild Femsteinevik and another surprise, Siri Galtung Skar from IL Try in Oslo. Marit Ishold Skogan, not part of the Norwegian national team, showcased her form from last season with a seventh-place finish. 

Meanwhile, Karoline Knotten and Juni Arnekleiv struggled, finishing 24th and 28th respectively, while Italian star Dorothea Wierer battled the windy conditions to place 15th. 

Top 5 – Women

1. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold (NOR) (1-0), 20:59.6
2. Emilie Ågheim Kalkenberg (NOR) (0-1), +12.1
3. Gro Njølstad Randby (NOR) (0-1), +28.6
4. Anastasiya Kuzmina (SVK) (0-1), +44.0
5. Ragnhild Femsteinevik (NOR) (1-1), +44.3

Complete results can be found HERE

Also Read: Anastasiya Kuzmina – Return at 40

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