The Norwegians were strong as expected in the biathlon world cup men’s normal course in Kontiolahti.
Matti Lehtisaari,
Inka Henelius
19:01•Updated 19:41
The Norwegians celebrated a triple victory in the biathlon world cup men’s normal course in Kontiolahti. Endre Strömsheim was first by three seconds Johannes Thingnes Böhön. Sturla Holm Lägreid completed Norway’s celebrations with his third place in the 15 km battle.
Among the leading men, Strömsheim and Lägreid shot cleanly, but Bö shot one quick shot.
Tero Seppälä was the best Finn in the first individual World Cup competition of the 18th season. Seppälä fired two missed shots.
– One of my best starts of the season. Two fines, but quick shots. In skiing, my pace was steady, Seppälä commented.
The men’s competitions continue on Independence Day, Friday, when there is a sprint race on the program.
– I prefer faster races, where you ski at full speed all the time. After all, it (independence day) is a day off, so there will definitely be spectators here, Seppälä anticipates.
He also reached the World Cup points Jaakko Ranta, which finished in 35th place. Ranta shot one penalty.
– My start of the season has not been as good as I had thought based on training and qualifying. But won’t the fitness start to improve one competition at a time? At least the shooting seems to be strong right from the start, Ranta estimates.
Jonni Mukkala was the 42nd Otto Invenius 70’s and Arttu Heikkinen 78th
The women’s normal distance will be contested in Kontiolahti on Wednesday.
1. Endre Strömsheim NOR 38.08,8 (0)
2. Johannes T. Bö NOR + 3.0 (1)
3. Sturla Holm Lägreid NOR + 24.2 (0)
4. Vitalii Mandzyn UKR +1.03,9 (0)
5. Quentin F. Maillet FRA +1.10,7 (2)
6. Eric Perrot FRA +1.22,6 (1)
7. Jakov Fak SLO +1.42,5 (1)
8. Fabien Claude FRA +1.44,5 (2)
9. Thierry Langer BEL +1.47,4 (1)
10. Dmitro Pidrutshni UKR +1.49,4 (1)
18. Tero Seppälä FIN +2.15.8 (2)
35. Jaakko Ranta FIN +3.18.2 (1)
42. Jonni Mukkala FIN +3.49,9 (1)
70. Otto Invenius FIN +5.13,4 (4)
78. Arttu Heikkinen FIN +5.43.6 (5)