In the last climb, Truls Gisselman stuck.
However, the Swede was not alone in increasing the pace. He brought the Frenchman Gaspard Rousset with him, and just before the race it was clear what awaited in the mixed relay in Whistler, Canada.
Sprint duel.
However, the WC match between Gisselman and Rousset was never exciting.
Rousset closed the road
The Swede tried to take the inside but was forced to switch to the outside – and then he lost speed and never caught up.
France won the gold, one second ahead of Sweden and three ahead of Switzerland.
Norway was fourth, eight seconds behind France.
— In principle, every stretch is perfect based on the conditions they have. Incredible stretches. I am incredibly happy and surprised, says Swedish national team coach Mattias Nilsson to SVT.
— From me, they get the highest marks of the whole bunch.
Before the decision, the U23 WC relay offered the best possible entertainment.
It largely consisted of blue-yellow strong riding.
Louise Lindström drove up during the last part of her starting distance, shifted third and gave Gustav Kvarnbrink good conditions for the continuation of the relay.
Kvarnbrink took advantage of everything he got.
When the German Jan-Friedrich Doerks also lost power and speed – then the Swede was over and set his sights on leading Norway.
Hansson strong
Moa Hansson also excelled. Admittedly, Switzerland, Italy and Germany were in the race but it didn’t matter as Norway’s Margrethe Bergane’s lead was gone.
At the last switch, the race was no longer about Norway either, which was nine seconds behind the quartet of Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Sweden.
For Sweden, the last 5 km revolved around Truls Gisselman.
And Gaspard Rousset.
In the end, the Frenchman was the strongest.