Norway far behind on the relay in Hochfilzen: – A little nightmare

The Norwegian team had a tough time during the women's biathlon relay in Hochfilzen, Austria on Sunday. Germany, France, and Sweden filled the podium spots.

Håpet om en topplassering røk da Gro Randby måtte ut i to strafferunder på tredjeetappen. Stafettdebutanten slet stort på den stående skytingen.

– Det er et lite mareritt dette her. Det er ikke noe hyggelig å være Gro Randby inne på standplass nå, sa Jann Post på NRKs sending.

This led to Maren Kirkeeide starting her final leg in a very tough position. She ultimately crossed the finish line in 6th place, 3:08.2 minutes behind the winners.

Before the third leg, the Norwegian team was still contending for a podium finish. Juni Arnekleiv and Karoline Knotten used two extra shots each in the early legs, and Randby went out in 5th place.

– There are quite a few who had penalty rounds here. It’s a learning experience. Gro is young and promising, and she will do so much better going forward, Knotten said about her teammate.

In the final shooting, Franziska Preuss secured the German victory. France's Lou Jeanmonnot beat Sweden's Elvira Öberg in the race for second place.

Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold has taken a break from competition after experiencing heart issues in Kontiolahti last week, meaning the relay team had to cope without their strongest contender on Sunday.

Previously in Kontiolahti this season, Norway finished in third place, with Sweden winning followed by France in second.