Cross-country skiing: first relay medal for Switzerland
The men’s relay at the world cross-country skiing championships in Trondheim (Norway) took place on Thursday. The Swiss team – comprising Cyril Faehndrich, Jonas Baumann, Jason Rueesch and Valerio Grond – sprang a surprise by taking a magnificent silver medal behind the untouchable Norwegians. It was a historic medal for the Nati, who won their first world relay medal.
“I can count on the fingers of one hand the races that have made me cry, and this is one of them,” commented Jovian Hediger, an emotional consultant for Swiss television station RTS.
The Helvetians rode an absolutely perfect race. Right from the start, Cyril Faehndrich – seventh in the individual classic on Tuesday – took the race by the scruff of the neck. He handed over the relay in eighth position to the Swedish skiers.
Jonas Baumann showed great form in the second relay. A group of five formed with Sweden, Italy, France, Canada and Switzerland behind the inaccessible Norwegians. This quintet also stayed together on Jason Rueesch‘s third relay.
Valerio Grond impressive
It was then up to sprinter Valerio Grond to take over. “It’s the perfect scenario with Valerio Grond in contact on the last lap,” enthused Jovian Hediger on RTS.
The 24-year-old cross-country skier was impressive on the final lap, taking the lead over the bumps to avoid Mathis Desloges‘ acceleration. Then, in the final climb, the Grison native showed all his power and put in a destructive acceleration that only Edvin Anger could follow.
The Swede then passed the Swiss rider, but Valerio Grond got the better of him in the final bend and held off the Swiss rider in a crazy final straight. “He was the boss on the last lap,” said Jovian Hediger.
It was a truly exceptional World Championship for Switzerland, which won its third medal following bronze medals in the women’s sprint skate with Nadine Faehndrich and the women’s sprint team with Nadja Weber and Nadine Faehndrich once again.
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