ESOC Relay: double gold for Russia

ESOC Relay: double gold for Russia

Russia triumphed in both the women’s and men’s relay races today, with Sweden and Norway each taking a silver and a bronze medal. The Russian women won by 1.45, but with their second team only 2 seconds down on the winning time, and their men won by 0.38.

Men’s mass start     Photos: Per Frost

In the men’s race, Russia 1 with the very strong team of Vladislav Kiselev, Sergey Gorlanov and Andrei Lamov led throughout. Sweden 1 came up from fourth on leg 1 to second after leg 2, 0.38 down on the lead, but it was Norway’s Jørgen Baklid who continued the fine form he has shown all week and brought silver for the Norwegian team, finishing more than half a minute ahead of Sweden’s Linus Rapp. Finland, Czech Republic and Switzerland completed the podium positions.

Russia 2 (Alena Trapeznikova) came first to the changeover after leg 1 of the women’s race, with Russia 1 third, 1.57 down. On leg 2 Marina Viatkina for Russia 1 was very fast and came in leading by 1.34 over Sweden 1, with Russia 2 now third. On the last leg Maria Kechkina raced steadily to ensure victory for Russia 1, whilst Russia 2 (Tatiana Oborina) caught up to finish just 2 seconds behind. Lisa Larsen skied well to hold Sweden in the silver medal position, and Norway took bronze, a further 3.56 down. Estonia, Finland and Switzerland were the next 3 nations to finish.

Leading results, ESOC Relay

Women

Gold – Russia (Olesia Riazanova, Marina Viatkina, Maria Kechkina)  80:25

Silver – Sweden (Evelina Wickbom, Linda Lindkvist, Lisa Larsen)  82:10

Bronze – Norway (Anew Sofie Krogh, Evine Westli Andersen, Ana Ulvensøen)  86:06

4. Estonia 86:16
5. Finland 89:10
6. Switzerland 91:36

Men

Gold – Russia (Vladislav Kiselev, Sergey Gorlanov, Andrei Lamov)  79:59

Silver – Norway (Isak Jonsson, Audun Heimdal, Jørgen Baklid)  80:37

Bronze – Sweden (Erik Blomgren, Rasmus Wickbom, Linus Rapp)  81:24

4. Finland 84:04
5. Czech Republic 87:29
6. Switzerland 89:21