Finnish Team Shines in Biathlon Relays – Highlights from Sports Studio Weekend

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Venla Lehtonen delivered an outstanding leg in the women's biathlon relay, raising Finland to third place. Image: IMAGO/CEPix/ All Over Press

The Nordic skiing World Cups in Ruka and the biathlon World Cups in Kontiolahti were closely followed in this article detailing the Sports Studio weekend from November 29 to December 1.

The key highlights from the Sunday Sports Studio include:

• Freeski athlete Anni Kärävä finished fifth in the big air final at a World Cup event in Beijing.
• Norway achieved a triple win in the men’s 20 km free style mass start, with Harald Östberg Amundsen taking first place, while Finland’s best, Arsi Ruuskanen, placed 14th.
• Jessie Diggins outpaced Jonna Sundling in the final sprint of the women's 20 km race, with Krista Pärmäkoski finishing as Finland’s top competitor in 23rd place.
• Germany's Vinzenz Geiger won the combined event on Sunday in Ruka, while Norway’s Jarl Magnus Riiber took second place. Ilkka Herola finished in 21st place.
• The Finnish team consisting of Jaakko Ranta-Olli Hiidensalo-Tero Seppälä-Otto Invenius placed fifth in the men’s 4x7.5 km biathlon relay in Kontiolahti, with France taking the victory.
• In the women’s biathlon relay won by Sweden, Suvi Minkkinen, Venla Lehtonen, Inka Hämäläinen, and Sonja Leinamo finished in eighth place.
• Antti Aalto came in 11th, while Niko Kytösaho finished 13th in the ski jump event won by Andreas Wellinger, reduced to a one-round competition due to wind conditions.

Sweden Secures Victory in Women's Relay – Finland Finishes 8th

Elvira Öberg led Sweden from third place to victory in the women's 4x6 km biathlon relay.

Elvira Öberg anchored the Swedish team to victory. Image: ullstein bild/ All Over Press

Öberg pulled ahead of France’s Julia Simon after the last shooting stage, who appeared to suffer from severe cramps at the end. Norway ranked third.

Sonja Leinamo anchored Finland in eighth place after battling with Germany's Vanessa Voigt in the final sprint.

Finland used eight spare cartridges in the relay and faced a penalty loop once, trailing the leaders by 2:51.6 minutes.

Leinamo noted how her teammates had previously elevated the team's position to as high as second.

– It was indeed incredible. The girls are in great shape. I am very proud. We knew we were in shape, but this was a complete surprise, Leinamo remarked.

– I was indeed very nervous, but I focused on my own performance, trying to push forward.

Joel Holma interviewed Leinamo.

Finland Anchors the Relay in Sixth Position

Inka Hämäläinen sent Sonja Leinamo off in sixth position, trailing the leading team from France by 1:46.2 minutes.

Hämäläinen, who started third, shot cleanly at the first section, temporarily positioning herself in second place.

However, she had to face a penalty loop under challenging circumstances, and the 18-year-old dropped several places.

Venla Lehtonen Funds Finland's Strong Performance

Venla Lehtonen shot impeccably well and propelled Finland to third position after the second shooting stage.

Lehtonen maintained that position until the exchange. She was trailing the leading French team by 23 seconds, with the Czech Republic closely behind by 0.6 seconds.

Finland's third leg started with Inka Hämäläinen.

– I was a bit surprised. I looked up the hill on the second lap and wondered if that was the lead, it shouldn't be that close, Lehtonen said.

– I've long sought to be able to fight near the top competitors. I feel so proud of myself.

According to Lehtonen, her successful training season lay behind her good form.

Joel Holma interviewed Lehtonen.

Suvi Minkkinen Exchanges in Sixth Position

Suvi Minkkinen used two spare cartridges during her leg and exchanged in sixth position, trailing the first exchange point leader from France, Lou Jeanmonnot, by 26 seconds.

Venla Lehtonen set off afterward.

Otto Invenius Expresses Satisfaction After the Men’s Relay

Otto Invenius was satisfied with the men's relay performance. Image: Minna Raitavuo / Lehtikuva

In the men's 4x7.5 km biathlon relay, Finland’s anchor leg, Otto Invenius, shot accurately and quickly, maintaining the team's fifth place until the end.

– Absolutely fantastic atmosphere. I felt a little that my skiing wasn’t as strong as the others, but my shooting was on point. Can’t help but feel satisfied, Invenius reflected.

Previously, during the mixed relay, Invenius encountered minor challenges at the standing shooting, but today the shooting proceeded smoothly until the end.

– Moilasen Aku shouted during that leg, telling me to focus on my own pace, not to start competing with others. That really helped with the last standing shoot. If I’d caught up with Ukraine, the outcome could have been different. Getting fast shots to nought is usually the best strategy.

According to Invenius, the exciting season opener before the home crowd gives a great boost of confidence for the upcoming competitions.

– Events like this to kick off the season... Absolutely crazy. It only gets better from here. Such a great relay, with four spare cartridges. I can only smile.

Joel Holma interviewed Invenius.

Moving On – Women’s Biathlon Relay Kicks Off

In the biathlon World Cup, the next event is the women's 4x6 km relay.

The Finnish team consists of Suvi Minkkinen, Venla Lehtonen, Inka Hämäläinen, and Sonja Leinamo.

Second Round Cancelled – Andreas Wellinger Wins

Andreas Wellinger secured his first victory of the season in the men's ski jumping World Cup. Image: Markku Ulander / Lehtikuva

The second round of the Ruka large hill competition could not proceed due to wind conditions. Half of the competitors, 15 men, managed to jump in the second round. The top position is held by Austria's Manuel Fettner.

The competition may be condensed to a one-round event.

Second Round Begins

Austria's Stephan Embacher opened with a jump of 118.5 meters.