At the dress rehearsal before Beijing, the Norwegian women's relay team won the 4 x 6 km race in Antholz.
Even without the World Cup leader Mare Olsbu, Karoline Knotet, Tiril Eckhoff, Ida Lien and final skier Ingrid Tandrevold delivered a strong performance, brought themselves from change to change in a better and more comfortable starting position, and finally won ahead of the strong women's relay team of Russia in second place. Anais Bescond from France and the strong South Tyrolean Frederica Sanfilippo had a fierce duel for the third place on the podium, which was decided by photo finish in favor of France.
The DSV - women's quartet sniffed at the podium places in the meantime, but had to settle for eighth place in the end with a gap of 1.08,2 minutes.
Results 4 x 6km women's relay, Antholz:
- Norwegen, 1.12.54,1Std.
- Russland + 24,6 Sek.
- Frankreich +32,6Sek.
- Italien, FF + 32,6Sek.
Statement Ingrid Tandrevold: "It was a bit unusual for me to start the race as the last runner today. We were able to make up places during the race, and so I think we deserved to win today."
Statement Justine Braisaz: "We tried something in the lineup today, and we are very happy with our result."
Text: Helmut Hanus
Picture: K.Voigt Photography