Sander Eitrem (22) was in great form on the WC’s opening day in Calgary, Canada, and won his first WC medal. – It is incredibly big, says the 22-year-old to news. He had a good feeling before the start: – I feel that I have good legs today, so then it’s just a matter of clicking, Eitrem told news before the start, who had high hopes for a podium place in the 5,000 metres. – The legs are responding, Bøkko said when Eitrem left partner Seitaro Ichinohe. – We must dare to mention the Norwegian record, but he is a bit behind, Bøkko continued. Eitrem went in with a clear best time of 6:09.00, with a final lap of 29.08. But soon after, Italian Davide Ghiotto slipped past with 39 hundredths. The Italian secured the silver behind the Dutch Patrick Roest, who defended the title. – It’s sad when it’s so close, admitted Eitrem. Sander Eitrem. Photo: NTB Hallgeir Engebråten aimed to win, but found it too difficult. The 24-year-old was eventually number 10. The podium missed for Wiklund Earlier on Thursday, Ragne Wiklund competed for precious metal in the 3000 metres. In 2023, Ragne Wiklund (23) was unbeatable at 3,000 metres. 2024, on the other hand, has been a nightmare year for the 23-year-old, characterized by social sickness, a bad back and flu. Wiklund had to set a year’s best to win gold, she couldn’t do that. – I think it was the best I had to offer today, said Wiklund to news. – I started the new year with a stomach bug, then I started training and got the flu. And then I’ve traveled a lot here in the USA and run races, and perhaps postponed the period of getting in really good shape. But now I’ve had a week and a half to find my form. The last few days I have felt well enough to get a little nervous, so I think that is a good sign, she told news before the 3000 metres. DISEASE: Ragne Wiklund finished in fifth place in the 3000 metres. Photo: NTB Last year’s world champion had the recipe ready before the start: – When I walk 3000 metres, I think that I should go as offensively and aggressively as possible, and at the same time get it cheap at the start. Then it’s just a matter of fighting in. And Wiklund managed that for a long time. The Norwegian and the Czech followed each other closely, before Sablikova left from around 2,200 metres. – I didn’t like this at all. The back doesn’t play in teams, said Bøkko. Although Wiklund stiffened at the end, she went on to the third best time of 3:59.84 and eventually finished in fifth place. Dutch Irene Schouten won ahead of Canadian Isabelle Weidemann and Sablikova. You can follow the Skating WC here, on NRK1 and NRK2 throughout the evening. At 21.40 the men’s 5000 meters will run and at 23.44 Norway will fight for precious metal in the men’s team sprint.
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Eitrem secured WC bronze after illness problems – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
