The men’s German cross-country skiing relay did not repeat the World Cup bronze coup from two years ago. In the title fights in Trondheim, however, it was a minimum goal.
The goal was achieved and yet not really satisfied: cross-country coach Peter Schlickenrieder seemed somewhat dormant after the men’s relay at the Nordic World Ski Championship in Trondheim. The German quartet landed in eighth place, which Schlickenrieder had previously issued as a minimum goal. Two years ago, the World Cup was still enough.
“Of course we are not quite satisfied,” said the actually notoriously good-humored Bavarian after the end of the race at the ARD microphone-but then to put it on quickly: “If you are realistic, you have to be satisfied with the top 8 placement.” But it was not optimal for the team, Friedrich Moch and Janosch Brugger, who was from Florian Notz, Albert Kuchler, Friedrich Moch and Janosch Brugger.
Because the race in front of around 40,000 enthusiastic spectators had started strongly for the quartet of the German Ski Association (DSV): the first change it was in third place, but Kuchler then fell back to eighth. Moch and final runner Brugger couldn’t change anything in the position.
Favorite Norway confidently won gold in roaring wind. The final runner Johannes Hösflot Kläbo had a full lead of 21.6 seconds to Switzerland after 4×7.5 kilometers and the preparatory work by Erik Valnes, Martin Löwström Nyenget and Harald Östberg Amundsen. It was the 13th season gold in a row for the host. Bronze went to Sweden.
For superstar Kläbo it was the fifth success in Trondheim. With a total of 14 titles, he is the most successful cross-country skier in World Cup history. “I live my dream here, I enjoy every moment,” Kläbo said before the start. The 28-year-old passed his bereaf place in his hometown Petter Northug, who had taken gold 13 times.