Norway Sprints to Mixed Relay Victory, Finland 7th

The first Mixed Relay of the season ended with a thrilling spurt on the home stretch, where Norway took the victory ahead of France.

The teams crossed the line 0,8 seconds apart. Sweden finished 3rd.

Finland was 7th, 4.07,7 behind the winning team.

Norway got through the race with ten spare rounds.

The winning team consisted of Karoline Knotten, Ingrid Tandrevold, Johannes Dale and Verbjoern Soerum.

- It was nothing I expected after the last shooting, said the 26-year-old Soerum after rising to victory.

The Finnish quartet in the competition were Venla Lehtonen, Inka Hamalalnen, Tero Seppala and Olli Hiidensalo.

Seppala had to run a penalty loop, and on top of that, Finland used nine spare rounds.

- I am satisfied with my performance today. Skiing was improving. My strategy was to go easy until standing and give everything I’ve got on the last lap. It worked out pretty well, said Lehtonen.

Hamalainen participated in the World Cup at Kontiolahti for the first time.

- Skiing was really great. It was nice to be on the home tracks, said Hamalainen and added she is looking forward to the relay on Sunday.

Seppala was upset about his standing stage, but was satisfied that the placing did not get worse for it.

- There is room for improvement in all areas, Seppala was looking to the future.

Hiidensalo brought Finland to the finish as the 7th team with a good leg.

- It felt good and was a good opening for the World Cup season.

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Original text in Finnish: Heidi Lehikoinen
Translation into English: Hanna Sairanen