Elvira Öberg leads Sweden to victory after Julia Simon's collapse

Elvira Öberg leads Sweden to victory after Julia Simon's collapse

Sweden clinched a thrilling victory in the relay during the World Cup season opener in Kontiolahti. Elvira Öberg played a crucial role, especially after Julia Simon of France collapsed during the final stretch of the race.

"I was surprised when Simon went for a round. I felt strong during the final lap and received excellent coaching from Johannes Lukas, keeping my cool and I heard Simon calling to her coaches. As she faded, I managed to put in a surge and it ended up not being very tense," said Elvira Öberg after the race.

In the finishing area, surprised and jubilant teammates rushed forward to celebrate.

"That was incredibly exciting. This is biathlon at its finest," Anna Magnusson remarked to SVT Sport.

Simon had put France in a commanding position only to falter at the last moment, losing the lead after shooting a penalty following four misses in the last standing shooting.

Öberg managed to shoot cleanly and almost collided with Simon as she emerged from her penalty lap.

In the final uphill stretch, Simon appeared to suffer a muscle injury or cramp, becoming completely stationary and holding her thigh while Öberg sailed on to victory, with France still managing to salvage a second place ahead of Norway.

"I feel better now than when I crossed the finish line, and while we'll have to wait for checks, I feel fine. I hope it was just a cramp," Simon commented post-race.

"I have never seen such a thing," noted Björn Ferry regarding the dramatic ending.

Anna Magnusson started the relay as the third runner, and handed off to Sara Andersson, who made her World Cup debut in the relay, starting 17 seconds behind leading France.

Andersson shot perfectly in her first prone shooting but found herself needing a penalty lap after four missed shots standing up.

"I’m not sure what happened during the standing shoot. I was feeling fine but the shots went wide. It was unfortunate to end up with a penalty lap, but at least I’ve had my debut with such great teammates," she expressed.

Hanna Öberg relayed third to Elvira, who started off only 32 seconds behind France, determined to make her mark. \n "I’m extremely satisfied with my shooting. I had some nerves, but my skiing will only improve, and I’m looking forward to racing more," said Hanna Öberg as she passed the baton to her sister Elvira who surged to the front, securing Sweden’s dramatic win.