Biathlon: Martin Ponsiluoma emerges as the best skier: 'I'm not far behind'

Biathlon: Martin Ponsiluoma emerges as the best skier: 'I'm not far behind'

Published yesterday at 18:15

In a surprising comment, Einar Hedegart has pointed out that biathlete Martin Ponsiluoma is the best skier among the Swedish representatives in Holmenkollen, stating, "It's all speculation but I don't think I'm far behind at all," Ponsiluoma told SVT Sport.

With Hedegart's second place in the 10 km freestyle at Holmenkollen, where he outran William Poromaa, the question arises once again about how biathletes stack up against professional skiers on the track.

Johannes Dale, who competed in today's mixed relay against Ponsiluoma, believes he is Sweden's best skier.

"Yes, I must say. Ponsi is incredibly strong, the question is if he could have beaten Einar today and made it to the podium, possibly in third place," Dale muses, inspired by Hedegart's performance.

Ponsiluoma was fully aware of Hedegart's race.

"It was truly an impressive race, just five seconds from winning after starting as number eight and having no times to rely on. It shows how little difference there is right now between skiing and biathlon aspects," Ponsiluoma remarks.

Ponsiluoma: 'Biathlon is a bit like family'

Hedegart says that attacking a biathlete means attacking them all. What do you think of that?

"Biathlon is a bit of a family, but I think it's the skiers who are more scared of us."

What do you think of the compliments from Hedegart?
"It's nice. I have no idea how he compares to the other Norwegians; you should ask Johannes (Thingnes Bö) and Tarjei (Bø) about that. They probably have a very good grasp of his level."

Hedegart ignites the rivalry by claiming you're the best?

"I don’t want to comment on that. It’s just speculation but again, I believe I’m not far behind at all," Ponsiluoma concludes.