The reigning relay world champion won the first prestigious duel of the Olympic winter ahead of its biggest rival, the quartet from France. Russia was the third team to make it to the podium despite a penalty loop. The German biathletes finished the first relay race in Östersund in fourth place, narrowly missing a podium finish. There was excitement in the Norwegian team before the race, because the starting line-up had to be changed at short notice after the planned starting skier Sturla Holm Laegreid reported with a sore throat in the morning. For him the young Sivert Bakken was taken into the team, who mastered his task brilliantly and was able to celebrate his first World Cup victory right away. Tarjei Boe on position two, with all his routine, Johannes Thingnes Boe as leader, and final skier Vetle Christiansen as a fighting machine left nothing to be desired and celebrated the first victory of this season.Ergebnisse 4 X 7,5 Km Herrenstaffel, Östersund:
| 1 | NORWAY |  | 0+2 0+2 | 1:14:09.3 |
| 2 | FRANCE |  | 0+4 0+4 | +11.2 |
| 3 | RUSSIA |  | 0+1 1+8 | +45.9 |
When I found out this morning that I was nominated for the relay, I was speechless at first. But actually I had nothing to lose in this team. Now I can celebrate my first World Cup victory, it couldn't have gone better for me, and I hope to continue to be part of this team.
It was a gamble at the shooting range. Normally Latypov is a safe standing shooter. But when I noticed that he had to reload, I shot my rhythm and was able to pass him. Of course we are very happy about second place.
Picture: K. Voigt Fotografie