In recent years, Anna Magnusson has stood in the shadow of childhood friend Hanna Öberg. They grew up together in Svensbyn and Hemmingsmark just outside Piteå and both had great success as juniors. But while Öberg has stepped up to the top of the world, Magnusson has had difficulty taking the last step.
But on Friday it was time.
Magnusson, who was previously seventh best individually in the World Cup, shot full speed in the sprint in French Le Grand-Bornand and then showed that she has also made great strides in terms of riding.
Full shooting and one of the fastest ride times meant that Magnusson crossed the finish line in the lead – and it looks like it will hold up.
As if that wasn’t enough, Linn Persson also put in probably the best performance of his career. The Värmland native, who had previously taken two third places individually, despite a miss in the last shot entered as second, barely 13 seconds behind Magnusson.
German Denise Herrmann-Wick is currently third, barely three seconds behind Persson.
Elvira Öberg (one barrier) was 34 seconds behind Magnusson at the finish and Hanna Öberg (two barriers) was just over a minute behind her childhood friend.
The competition is ongoing.