– This was fantastic. Most often it is the smartest, not just the strongest, who wins, and today I did a good job, says Federico Pellegrino to news. Norway were big favorites and the two relay teams were looking good for a long time to run away with the victory, but Pellegrino and Italy showed WC form at home in Toblach. – He put the Norwegian favorites in place, said news’s cross-country commentator Jann Post. Norway’s first team with Harald Østberg Amundsen came third, while Sweden took second place. Sindre Bjørnestad Skar went into fourth place. – I expected us to fight for the podium, but I did not expect us to win today. But Pellegrino was very strong in the end, it was nice to see, says Italy’s coach Marcus Cramer to news. Pole break for Tønseth Erik Valnes and Norge 2 went to work disrespectfully on the first stage, and Valnes switched with Hans Christer Holund first, 11.4 seconds ahead of Germany. Then Sjur Røthe and Norge 1 were in seventh place and 13.2 seconds behind. – Valnes seems to get a bit in distance form here. I think he will be in really good WC form, said news’s cross-country expert Torgeir Bjørn. IMPRESSED: Erik Valnes. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB Holund maintained the pace to Valnes initially, but Ivo Niskanen showed old greatness on his second stage for Finland, and suddenly after 12.6 kilometers Finland had eaten up the lead in 21.8 seconds. Norway’s first team also caught up with Holund, despite Didrik Tønseth breaking the stick. After the second change, the two Norwegian teams were in sixth and seventh place, five seconds behind Sweden in the lead. – I didn’t quite have the day But Simen Hegstad Krüger and Iver Tildheim Andersen took the lead on their third stage, and after 20.1 kilometers the two teams were close. Krüger in particular gave anchorman Harald Østberg Amundsen a good starting point of 4.3 seconds down to Finland. But Richard Jouve and Pellegrino took the lead, which meant a very exciting anchor stage. – I didn’t quite have the day today. I tried to give it a try and hold the gap that Krüger gave me, but I was simply exhausted. There have been many ski races in recent weeks, and now I was at the very end, says Amundsen to news. With two kilometers to go it was between Sweden, Norway 1, Italy and Norway 2. In the sprint, Pellegrino and Italy were the strongest at home. – Norwegian dominance this season, but French victory in France and Italian in Italy, what does that mean for the sport?, asks news Sunday’s winner. – I think it is important and good that someone other than Norway wins. But it will be tough to take medals from them in Planica. Norway knows that not everything is perfect, other teams can also fight for the podium and that is good for everyone, says Pellegrino.
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Pellegrino secured first win in 17 years – Norway failed – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
