Biathlon: Sturla Holm Lægreid wins the first heat against Johannes Thingnes Boe
At the end of the biathlon world cup stage in Antholz (Italy), only 48 points separated Sturla Holm Lægreid and Johannes Thingnes Boe in the overall circuit ranking. And this Sunday, on the mass-start of the world championships in Lenzerheide (Switzerland), the two Norwegians gave a foretaste of the breathtaking end to the season that awaits spectators and fans of the discipline.

Despite being 18/20 behind the rifle, Sturla Holm Lægreid was unable to make the difference on the skis to build up a solid lead. Dropped by his compatriot Endre Stroemsheim in the last shot of the day when he was still in contention for gold, the current world number one saw the rocket Johannes Thingnes Boe quickly get back on his skis.
Back in top form on the boards by setting the fastest time in this Sunday’s race, the man with five crystal globes enjoyed an anthological final duel with his team-mate for his very last start on this global event, as it should be remembered that the latter will be calling time on his career at the end of this season.
This first confrontation heralded a suspenseful end to the winter between the two men as they battled it out for top spot in the world rankings. And in the end, it was Sturla Holm Lægreid who held his nerve to show his muscles in the final sprint: “It was a tough battle, but fortunately I had a good glide on the track and managed to sprint well,” he congratulated himself in front of the TV2 cameras.
“It’s a shame to lose in a sprint “.Johannes Thingnes Boe at NRK
“Of course it’s a shame to lose in the sprint, but it’s just as well for Sturla. I always give everything I’ve got for a medal, so I shouldn’t be complaining about getting one today,” said the man who now has forty-three world medals. I could have taken the maximum silver today. I’ve never been in the running for gold. I’m going to miss it.

After this first act, the two biathletes will meet again on 6 March on the slopes of Nove Mesto (Czech Republic) to kick off the final straight of the 2024/2025 season. To decide between them, they will have seven individual races left, spread over this Czech stage as well as the one in Pokljuka (Slovenia) and the finals inOslo-Holmenkollen (Norway).
Read also
Articles similaires
