26-01-2025
Sweden win women's relay in Antholz-Anterselva, Lægreid cements lead
Sweden ended Germany's winning run as they claimed victory in the women's 4x6-kilometre relay victory at the biathlon World Cup in Italy's Antholz-Anterselva on Sunday.
The Swedish quartet of Johanna Skottheim, Ella Halvarsson, Anna Magnusson and Hanna Öberg clocked 1 hour 07 minutes 26.0 seconds with six reloads and a clean shooting.
This was their second relay win of the season after the victory at the season opener in Kontiolahti, Finland.
"We showed how good a team we are. We've been competing with six or seven girls; it shows that we have really good strength. Today, France was the really big favourite, but we showed that when we come together, we can give them a match," Öberg said.
Norway were 13.4 seconds behind in second and France completed the podium.
Germany were coming off two consecutive wins but were only eighth in the absence of World Cup leader Franziska Preuss, who took a day off to rest.
Lægreid crowns amazing weekend
In the men's 12.5km pursuit, Norway's Sturla Holm Lægreid cemented his World Cup lead with a win in 29 minutes 53.0 seconds and a clean shooting.
Lægreid took over the top spot in the standings from team-mate and superstar Johannes Thingnes Bø after a second place in Friday's sprint.
"Last time I went out with the yellow bib I had a bad day, so I wanted to go home with a good feeling," he said.
Compatriot Tarjei Bø was second and Italy's Tommaso Giacomel was third.
The Bø brothers are competing in their final World Cup season before retirement.
JT Bø stunned the sport recently by announcing he would quit at the end of the season aged 31 and will not compete at the 2026 Olympics. His brother, 36, also announced after his sprint win on Friday that "this is my last season."
Men and women next head to Lenzerheide in Switzerland for the world championships on February 12-23.
