The Swedish men’s biathlon relay team experienced a race to forget at the start of the World Cup in Ruhpolding. There was a particular problem at the shooting range. The reactions among Northern Europeans are correspondingly clear.
The biathlon quartet from Sweden did not show their best side at the World Cup in Ruhpolding. In eighth place and over two minutes behind the victorious Norwegians, the Scandinavians clearly missed the top result they were aiming for.
The problems started with starting runner Emil Nykvist, who had to use all three spares in the standing stage but was still able to avoid the penalty loop. “I was just too tired to go on the penalty laps. I have to apologize, I did my best,” he said afterwards on “SVT”.
“Disaster series” by biathlete Nelin
Jesper Nelin, who was running in second place, had a really bad day and also lost his nerve in the standing position. The 31-year-old had to complete two penalty laps. After that, the race was basically over for the Swedes. “It’s unfortunate, devastating,” said Nelin, dejected.
Coach Jean-Marc Chabloz’s conclusion about Jesper Nelin’s performance was correspondingly negative: “He wants to get closer to the top and then it will be a series of disasters.”
Martin Ponsilouma (three spares) and top star Sebastian Samuelsson (no spares) then did their best to bring the quartet forward. The gap to the seventh-placed Swiss was ultimately too large due to two penalties and a total of eleven spare rounds.
The Swedish biathletes have the opportunity to make amends in the sprint on Saturday (2:30 p.m.). The next day the World Cup ends in Ruhpolding with the pursuit (2:45 p.m.). The best Swede in the World Cup ranking so far is Martin Ponsiluoma in seventh place, Sebastian Samuelsson is ninth.