The first races of the new year is over, and it’s finally time for a short break before the World Championships. It’s been three intense weeks filled with tough competition and lots of exciting races.

“Snowberhof”

The first two weeks were in Oberhof, Germany. This year Oberhof earned the nickname “Snowberhof”. For the period we were there, it was almost snowing constantly, and that is apparently quite unusual for the small German town. We athletes were beyond happy for all the snow and the perfect conditions, and it was a joy to race even though the tracks were incredibly tough.

For me, 2021 couldn’t have started better. After an amazing season before Christmas, I was very nervous about my level going into the new year. I knew that I had done a lot of good trainings in the Christmas break, but you can never be truly certain that you’ve been able to keep the level.

In the first race of the new year, I shot 10 out of 10 and raced very good on my skis. I ended up on the podium, behind both Boe-Brothers. To get such a good start after the break was a real confident boost for me. Now I knew that what I was able to deliver before Christmas wasn’t a fluke!

The following races in Oberhof went very well. In the Pursuit I took my fourth WC victory. I was a close race, but I managed to take the lead after the last shooting in front of Johannes Dale and Tarjei Boe. I also got to race the last leg in the Mixed Relay, where we got second place after a tough duel with Russia on the last 50 meters. The following Sprint I repeated my success from the week before, with clean shooting and good skiing, and I ended up on the podium once again.

After a lot of racing, my coaches decided it would be wise of me to get some rest instead of racing the Men’s Relay. This season is my first full World Cup season, and a lot of racing takes a toll on your body. It’s better to be smart and rest before getting too exhausted, so that’s what we did. It was probably a good call, because already in the Mass Start of the last day I felt more tired than usual. Even so, I managed to grab a 12th place, and considering the shape I’m quite happy with that.

Crossing the finish line in the Pursuit, claiming my 4th victory

Antholz-Anterselva

The biathlon family continued south to beautiful Antholz-Anterselva in Italy. I have personally never been there before, so for me it was a whole new experience. Coming out of the arena into the stadium took my breath away. It was an amazing view, the stadium surrounded by tall mountains. It really gives off a majestic atmosphere!

The mountainous view at the stadium in Antholz

The races in Antholz kicked off with the 20km. I got the honour of wearing the blue and red bib, since I’m currently the leader in both the U25 cup and the Individual cup. The altitude made the race more challenging than usual, but I managed to stay calm and follow through with my plan. I was efficient in the range, so efficient that I actually got the best range time, and kept up the speed in the tracks. Despite the two mistakes I got, I finished 2nd and claimed yet another podium. This was my third ever race in altitude, and I’m super that it turned out so well!

Onwards with the Relay and the Mass Start. Both races were filled with action and excitement.

In the relay I raced the first leg, and I had laid a new plan. I wanted to go hard right from the beginning and try to explode the field on the first loop. So I did, and I set a quite hard pace right from the start. I didn’t manage to get any gap, but the field was stretched going into the first shooting. I may have set the pace too hard, because I ended up needing two extra shots in prone. But in standing I was clean, and I closed the gap to Russia and exchanged first.

The rest of the relay was very exciting. We got a penalty loop on the second leg, but the Boe Brothers did an incredible job and secured the silver for us, just behind France. Russia won the tough duel with Germany for the last step on the podium.

Finally it was the last day in Antholz, and the last competition before the World Championship. We we’re all ready to fight, and to give it all one last time.

I was doing very well in the beginning, staying in the leading group and shooting clean in both prone shootings. I felt I had a good race going, until the first standing came and I was struck by reality. I was not in the mindset I needed and ended up gathering two penalty loops. Another mistake in the last shooting didn’t help, and 14th place was really the best I could hope for.

All in all it was a great weekend here in Antholz, and I’m really satisfied with how it turned out. I didn’t get to finish the week as I hoped, but I gathered a lot of good experiences for the World Championship. Now I’m looking forward to getting some rest and recharge my batteries. See you in Poklijuka and World Championships 10th of February!

The first races of 2021

“Snowberhof”

Antholz-Anterselva

Autograph Cards for Charity

A start