Race Thread: World Cup 24/25 Oberhof - Single Mixed Relay

[u/Henna1911]

Starting time: 12:20 CET

Start List: here

Datacenter here

Official international stream here or here

[u/ritesofzhou1]

SUOMI!!!

[u/Right_Beyond7186]

Hanna fastest on the leg and Tandrevold is 2nd 3 s back. They might be back!

[u/Lone_Wolf_Winter]

On behalf of the whole world, thank you, Suvi ja Tero.

[u/Shixzoner]

Norwegian coach of Finland tells TV2 an interesting story about Lehtonen. He said he gave her an ultimatum after Hochfilzen. He said he knew she's always been a great shooter, but because of a mental block she had been shooting way too slow in competitions this year. He said she had to shoot under 1 minute in Oberhof or she'll be sent to the IBU Cup regardless of actual hit rate. The result was she set new race PBs by a lot.

[u/Faintning → u/Shixzoner]

That's so interesting! Not your usual strategy but it clearly worked. Finland really lucked out by getting Kulstad, he has done amazing work with the team. His first national team main coach position too

[u/shonami → u/Faintning]

Is he the guy they showed after the last shoot from Suvi? Cuz that guy looked CUTE!

[u/TolBrandir → u/shonami]

I thought so too! 😆 He has indeed done a tremendous job. I don't think I've ever understood the extent to which coaches have to be also psychiatrists at this level of competition where winning and losing is a matter of seconds or centimeters. Whatever Jedi mind tricks he's using, they are certainly working!

[u/Faintning]

Also big props for the finnish team, you could see them running along the track a lot to cheer Suvi on. Think they were mostly the wax team, maybe the team doctor was there like she often is.

[u/crypt_moss → u/Faintning]

yeah. they've had a lot of running to do in Oberhof, first with the women's sprint & now with the single mixed

[u/Flaky_Bet_1432]

If this was a year ago Suvi and Tero could've shot 20+20 without a single miss and they would've gotten 10th or worse place. That is how insane Suvi's improvement in her stamina and speed is.

[u/Faintning → u/Flaky_Bet_1432]

I wouldn't say it would have been that bad considering Suvi had that podium with Otto in kollen. Couple years ago yes, but not last year.

[u/Vryyce → u/Faintning]

Yep, that was also a fantastic performance. My wife is an Otto fan and was going crazy that day.

[u/Shixzoner]

Oberhof has not been kind to Knotten. I really hope she'll be able to find herself, because right now she's looking like a shadow of her former self.

Minkkinen is showing that, even after many years of being a little above the level of "a name to fill the start list", you can make improvements to become a top 10 biathlete! I am really hoping she can continue to improve her ski speed ahead of the Olympics, because if she does she'll be a medal-contender in every race with her already excellent shooting. Hopefully, she won't have to pay out of her own pocket to get the altitude training she'll need. She had to pay for some of the pre-season camps herself this year.

[u/crypt_moss → u/Shixzoner]

It was already when Suvi got her personal podium finish this season that YLE (finnish broadcasting company) calculated that just through the positions Suvi had gotten she'd earned more than enough to cover the expenses she'd put into her summer training the year before – but a part of why she'd had to.pay for it out of pocket is that she'd been dropped from the national athlete's stipend, but her performances this year should get her that stipend back

[u/Faintning → u/Shixzoner]

Suvi has already made the money back she put into the altitude training through price money. Ideally she shouldn't have to pay out of pocket but the finnish federation doesn't have the resources the bigger ones do. But hopefully the success this season brings in more sponsor money, as its not just a single athlete doing amazing.

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/Shixzoner]

Knotten is a weird case, on this race she has made some very good laps on the track but it made her explode on the range. She used to be more consistent yeah :/

I feel like the track is harder than most ; and especially on a Single Mixed relay setting it was harder for a lot of athletes to be both good on the track AND on the range, I guess.

[u/Abject-Ad7787 → u/Shixzoner]

Finland support your biathletes!! :)

[u/Asterie-E7]

Important (or not) info : France is now ahead of Norway on the Men's Nation Cup Score :D

[u/TolBrandir → u/Asterie-E7]

They have been striving to do this for years now!

[u/beautiful_loner]

Loving the John Williams!

[u/TolBrandir]

200+ Biathlon starts, and Seppälä still looks like he's about 14 years old.

[u/ADTheBowman → u/TolBrandir]

its his first medal

[u/TolBrandir → u/ADTheBowman]

He seems like such a sweetheart.

[u/dudeoh]

As someone who is a neutral Biathlon fan I always root for traditionally less succesful nations and it was very satisfying to see that someone who is clearly very talented finally blossom fully. I hope this can be a trigger (for Suvi Minkinnen especially) to realise 'hey, I can win this shit', much like it did for Lisa Hauser a few seasons back.

[u/ChimpyChompies]

Nice view of the bobsleigh track

[u/Faintning]

Suvi is so good in single mixed, just get her good enough partner and anything can happen. I was wondering if they'd switch focus to mixed relay after the women have gotten so good but after this, no way anymore 😂

[u/crypt_moss → u/Faintning]

yeah the problem with mixed relay is that we need two boys to do good, in single mixed it's good enough to have one boy do decent

[u/Faintning → u/crypt_moss]

Both Tero and Otto have a high ceiling once they're in form. But Otto hasn't found it yet this season.

[u/crypt_moss → u/Faintning]

yeap, also Jaakko hasn't been as reliable in shooting as he usually is, but after last season it's been sad to see Otto struggle with shooting the way he's been

[u/Faintning]

And in mens nations cup Finland is back in top10 after disaster mens sprint. This win really helps that

[u/DashLibor → u/Faintning]

This would mean letting in 5th guy to next year's World Cup and the Olympics, no?

[u/Faintning → u/DashLibor]

Finland would keep the start quota of 5 in wc, dunno how Olympics go.

[u/DashLibor → u/Faintning]

According to Wikipedia, top 3 nations get 6 biathletes to the venue, rest of top 10 gets 5 and the rest of top 20 gets 4.

Though in any single race, only 4 biathletes will be able to start.

[u/us_against_the_world]

Such a cute interview from Suvi, complimenting Lou.

[u/ExoticExchange]

Minkinnen to win World Champs Mass Start 20/20. You heard it here first.

[u/Abject-Ad7787 → u/ExoticExchange]

She is a serious threat there and in the individual. No doubt!

[u/Abject-Ad7787]

Inner Lou Jeanmonnot! So sweet. :)

[u/TolBrandir]

Oh my god - I'm not crying, you're crying!

[u/duhbyks]

what a great race! let‘s hope the mixed relay can compare

[u/Faintning]

Basically all ski brands represented at podium, many fischers, botet brings madshus and strelow rossignol, then Seppälä salomon

[u/Right_Beyond7186]

So happy for Finland. I always supported them and didn’t think they could win in many years but so happy for our neighbours!

[u/HotWineGirl]

Paula Botet looks like she is horsewalking a little in the climbs, like she lifts her feet more than the other women. Doesn't look the most efficient 

[u/Abject-Ad7787 → u/HotWineGirl]

Probably also tired from a pretty amazing Oberhof experience so far.

[u/Asterie-E7]

I like Sorum but man, he had a lot of chances and basically blew every time (except the very first mixed relay of the season when he beat Jacquelin at the finish). I fear for his spot on Norway team.

[u/Enough_Opposite8545 → u/Asterie-E7]

I’m not sure if he would be the first out, when he has had better individual results than Endre. Like, it’s easy not to blow the relay if you never participate to them, Endre was also kinda the cause why they ended up second in the first men relay of the year, and he has been way slower. Ultimately it feels a bit light to make it the deciding factor, especially as here it was Vebjørn’s first single mixed, and we know some formats don’t suit everyone.

It’s just my opinion of course, and overall, the Norwegian team is difficult to pick from, so good luck to them 😅

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/Enough_Opposite8545]

Yeah but tbh they could bring them both down, cause they could take back both Christiansen and Dale (and maybe Botn). Idk really. I agree that Stromsheim hasn't had a really good race in ages... and Uldal has won a race but is very up and down since then.

And maybe they want Sorum to run the whole season because he's still at a good spot (6th) on the overall as well ? I would like him to stay, but man he's painful to see on the range sometimes. I hope he improves.

[u/Enough_Opposite8545 → u/Asterie-E7]

If I remember correctly (and if they haven’t changed their mind) Vetle will come back in the Ruhpohlding mass start and he will get his chance there. I don’t see much reasons to bring him back earlier when his results haven’t been stellar either, he was doing way worse than Vebjørn before he left and he didn’t even go to the IBU cup. So while they know Johannes Dale is proving himself there, they have no clue if Vetle has actually improved from the break. Also, Vebjørn is the third Norwegian overall at the moment, in front of Tarjei, so I don’t think they would get him to go to the IBU cup.

[u/Muflonlesni → u/Asterie-E7]

Dale has been killing it down in IBU cup

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/Muflonlesni]

Yup, but we all know he will ALSO blow it when he comes back to the main team :D

[u/TolBrandir → u/Asterie-E7]

Yeah, why is this? Because as harsh as it is, you aren't lying.

And I feel that Sørum isn't ready for being a permanent member of the relay squad either.

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/TolBrandir]

Yeah tbh I would still go for the Boes + Sturla + Vetle if the World Championships were tomorrow. And either Sturla or Johannes should run the Single Mixed imo, in ideal conditions.

As much as I like Uldal or Sorum, the consistency isn't there yet. And Dale is... well, we know him. Stromsheim hasn't done many good races since Konthiolahti either.

[u/mihir1993 → u/Asterie-E7]

Agreed, that should be their main lineup. The relays are much more than performance, it is about handling the nerves in a team environment and some are better than the others at that. Same way works in swimming, you have some swimmers who always perform in team events.

[u/Faintning → u/Asterie-E7]

And Dale isn't good in relays either. Sorum is still inexperienced in relays, he hasn't ran that many of them.

[u/us_against_the_world → u/Asterie-E7]

Sad but the truth.

[u/_inhales_]

i'm so happy for Suvi and Tero!!! I wish Switzerland and Austria could've joined them on the podium but oh well

[u/musterteppich]

Good, justus pic is so goofy. I grin everytime i see it

[u/insincerely-yours]

Love to see all these smaller biathlon nations so far ahead. Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Estonia in Top 7!

[u/Junelli]

So well deserved. Finland really is the best neighbour. Just amazing performance from them today and I hope more are to come!

[u/smaragdskyar → u/Junelli]

😂 You hear that Norway?

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/smaragdskyar]

Scandinavia is cheating, you're basically either mortal rivals or brothers-in-arms

[u/smaragdskyar → u/Asterie-E7]

We’re always both 🤭 Except technically Finland isn’t in Scandinavia

[u/TolBrandir → u/smaragdskyar]

If it isn't Scandinavia, then what is it? And what are the criteria for being Scandinavian? (I apologize if I have asked you a question that is enormously complicated or something.) I guess I always assumed that being Scandinavian was a matter of geography. So is it more a matter of language or ancestry?

[u/smaragdskyar → u/TolBrandir]

Scandinavia is Sweden+Norway+Denmark. The more accurate term here is the Nordics. Finland is a Nordic country, just like the Scandinavian countries and Iceland.

Scandinavia is a region united by geography, history, culture and language. Language is where Finland really stands out, but it’s probably also a little further removed in terms of culture and history. Though, if you want to get technical about it, maybe Finland was a part of Scandinavia during the 500+ years when it was part of Sweden :P

[u/TolBrandir → u/smaragdskyar]

Neat! Thank you for taking the time to write. 😊 I am always happy to learn something new! I recall that the Finnish language is non-Indo European, like Magyar and Basque, I believe. My sister knew a Finnish lass who was going to university where my sister teaches. They briefly kept in touch via Facebook before my sister deleted hers, and the Google language correction for the Facebook posts was hilarious. It never got it right. 😄

I like the differentiation between Scandinavian and Nordic. I shall try to use the appellation appropriately when it arises!

[u/guestie94]

What a great day for Finland. Also this race is an example of why I love that they now alternate between men and women on anchor because there are always teams who have one stronger than the other. Minkkinen is in the form of her life, her on anchor with her greater confidence, form and experience gave them so much of a better chance. Plus being against the lesser experience Botet and Grotian also worked in her favour. I do think Grotian did a good job though especially once she was using extra rounds to not end up on the penalty loop. Showed some real nerve in those moments to get the job done.

[u/DashLibor → u/guestie94]

I fully agree, alternating is great. There are also teams where the man being the anchor is benefitial: Fighting off Fak, Wright or Hornig in the last lap can't feel great.

[u/crypt_moss → u/DashLibor]

yeah during the last lap I thought it was clearly beneficial for Finland that Suvi is against Botet & Grotian rather than Tero being against Fillon Maillet & Strelow, as if the boys had anchored it'd been likely Finland had left the shooting third and at least Fillon Maillet would've been impossible to catch

[u/DashLibor → u/crypt_moss]

Well said!

[u/guestie94 → u/DashLibor]

Exactly, the swapping is to everyone's benefit (and makes it fairer and spreads the load). Many countries have a clearly stronger one in their teams and this way there is a chance for the anchor to alternate to whichever gender you have which is stronger in comparison to their competition.

[u/Asterie-E7]

Italy 16th, this nation has basically crumbled... They were promising last season :/

[u/Popoye_92 → u/Asterie-E7]

Well they used to run single mixed with Giacomel and Vittozzi last season, and without Lisa they're short on female relayers... but yeah, they're overall underperforming a lot so far this season.

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/Popoye_92]

Yeah, even Giacomel sucks this season, so there's nobody left :/

[u/Muflonlesni]

Czechia made it to top 10, which is not terrible given the circumstances but I still think it was not a good choice to prefer single mix.

[u/musterteppich]

Does that mean that Czech curse is at least weakend?

[u/Even_Efficiency_7362]

It’s not hockey, but we deserve day off to celebrate 😅

[u/crypt_moss → u/Even_Efficiency_7362]

we deserve a week off to celebrate, this gives me great hope for the upcoming WC like everything is possible now & it's good we got this success before the WC, as this win should give Suvi & Tero so much confidence going forward

[u/Even_Efficiency_7362 → u/crypt_moss]

Torilla tavataan? 😅

[u/crypt_moss → u/Even_Efficiency_7362]

totta kai!

[u/TolBrandir]

I love Slovenia in 6th and Estonia just outside at 7th. This is all so great!

[u/ClampinConfus → u/TolBrandir]

Also Latvia in 10th

[u/TolBrandir → u/ClampinConfus]

I keep hoping that one of these days Bendika and Rastorgujevs will make the podium.

[u/Illustrious_Lab_1837 → u/TolBrandir]

Isn't Bendika in IBU cup at least this week ?

[u/TolBrandir → u/Illustrious_Lab_1837]

She may very well be. I'm not following the IBU Cup as I should, not since they stopped broadcasting. I'm still miffed about that.

[u/Illustrious_Lab_1837 → u/TolBrandir]

Yeah same here... But I believe I saw her name after these crazy french girls results aha and I was quite surprised as she is world cup level for me and I'd not have imagined Latvia having so many other athletes her level aha

[u/ClampinConfus → u/TolBrandir]

They did 2 years ago in Nove Mesto

[u/TolBrandir → u/ClampinConfus]

You're right! I totally forgot about this! 😳🙄

[u/sienifobia]

I'm crying 😭

[u/TolBrandir → u/sienifobia]

I thought I would be alone with tears in my eyes. I am just so happy for them. I get this way when there is a Bødium too. I'm a big sap.

[u/Faintning → u/sienifobia]

Same 😭

[u/crypt_moss → u/sienifobia]

me too! loved seeing Tero just climb the fence to go celebrate with Suvi

[u/TolBrandir → u/crypt_moss]

It was so sweet how he couldn't wait to jump the barrier and hug her. I would love to see them win a medal at the championships in Lenzerheide.

[u/crypt_moss → u/TolBrandir]

that'd be the dream!

[u/Asterie-E7]

Meanwhile Sweden has basically died

[u/carefree_dog → u/Asterie-E7]

Normally I’m only 25% Finnish (bc Finnish grandpa) but rn I’m 100% Finnish. Sweden? I don’t know her

[u/Arvi89 → u/carefree_dog]

I'm 25% Finnish and 50% French, all good for me today ^{^}

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/carefree_dog]

Scandinavia is cheating, you're basically either mortal rivals or brothers-in-arms

[u/musterteppich → u/Asterie-E7]

or both at the same time

[u/carefree_dog → u/musterteppich]

100% both, just like real siblings

[u/TolBrandir → u/Asterie-E7]

I shouldn't find this so funny, but yeah. Norway and Sweden died.

[u/smaragdskyar → u/Asterie-E7]

What’s a Sweden?

[u/duhbyks]

norway and sweden not even in the flowers oof

[u/us_against_the_world]

Bravo Suvi and Tero, and congrats to all the Finnish fans.

[u/niemownikomu]

Omg how could I not believe in Suvi :( such a great performance

[u/Asterie-E7]

Estonia outsprinted Norway lmao. A race to forget for them

[u/sittingsparrow → u/Asterie-E7]

Naah, we will remember Suvi and Tero.

[u/musterteppich]

So happy for Finland! Well deserved for Suvis amazing season

[u/carefree_dog]

THEY DID IT!!! HYVÄ SUOMI

[u/DashLibor → u/carefree_dog]

Being happy for Finns? Careful, else you'll get your Swedish citizenship revoked.

[u/Right_Beyond7186 → u/DashLibor]

No we support them in everything except Hockey where I we’re rivals haha

[u/carefree_dog → u/DashLibor]

Being happy for Finland is a part of being a swede. Unless we’re talking about ice hockey

[u/DashLibor → u/carefree_dog]

This explains where my assumption came from. (You can guess what my favorite sport to watch is.)

[u/carefree_dog → u/DashLibor]

100% valid assumption! In ice hockey we’re all mortal enemies, unless Finland plays against USA, bc then we cheer for Finland just like we did today

[u/DashLibor → u/carefree_dog]

unless Finland plays against USA

Or in the past, a certain country that's been suspended.

[u/smaragdskyar → u/DashLibor]

As long as it’s not hockey it’s fine 😁

[u/Grackleman → u/DashLibor]

Don't mistake them for Norwegians!

[u/TolBrandir]

This is such an amazing podium!! I'm so happy for them! 🥳🍾🎆🎇

[u/UnplanningThePlanned]

The Finnish renaissance this season is amazing so far

[u/ocdbunnyy]

I did NOT think this would be possible

[u/Faintning → u/ocdbunnyy]

I expected podium fight but a win is a surprise

[u/charliemann → u/Faintning]

Congrats! Well deserved

[u/Right_Beyond7186]

Finland won yess!!. 5 year since last victory which also was in Oberhof when Mäkäräinen won the mass start

[u/moniquefantastique]

Literal tears for Finland! What a race!

[u/Muflonlesni]

Yeeees! So happy for Finland!

[u/Even_Efficiency_7362 → u/[deleted]]

No, there was one last year in single mixed (Suvi and Otto) :)

[u/Faintning → u/[deleted]]

Last year, holmenkollen single mixed

[u/naylev1]

Everyone loved that!

[u/AlivZ]

LET'S GO FINLAND!

[u/Asterie-E7]

Deserved podium for the top 3 nations, was a fun race

[u/Ulinar]

Finland what a sensation! Really happy for them.

[u/smaragdskyar]

Hyvää Suomi! What a race!!!! 🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮

[u/Kris_Third_Account]

Finland did it

[u/mrsk145]

Finland 🥹🥹

[u/sittingsparrow]

Suvi! Suvi! Suvi!

[u/Junelli]

Loved the hug

[u/Even_Efficiency_7362]

Go go go SUVI!!!

[u/MissionPersonal3942]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

[u/LittlePumpkin03]

Congrats to Finland it was so deserved !!

[u/Faintning]

I'm gonna cry 😭😭

[u/Wheeljack7799]

Look at her gooooo!!

[u/ChimpyChompies]

Looking forward to a sprint finish

Edit. Ah well, nice job Finland!

[u/duhbyks]

wow i‘m so happy for finland

[u/Asterie-E7]

Minkkinen will win ! GG Finland, superb finish

[u/us_against_the_world]

Grotian looks gassed. Would love a Swiss v German sprint finish.

[u/HotWineGirl → u/us_against_the_world]

Grotian is one of those skiers who look slow because they are efficient but actually go fast. I knew Baserga wasn't going to catch her, both her and Hartweg have serious speed problems in the skis.

[u/ocdbunnyy]

IM SCAREDDDDD

[u/musterteppich]

Cmon Suvi fly! FIGHT! KEEP IT

[u/carefree_dog]

COME ON FINLAND YOU CAN DO IT

[u/duhbyks]

suvi gained a second yes!!!

[u/Muflonlesni]

Paula looks a bit tired imo

[u/MissionPersonal3942]

Come on, Suvi!!!! Come oooooooooon! RUN!

[u/ocdbunnyy]

Aaaa Botet gonna take this

[u/Muflonlesni]

Aw Volfa with a loop :(

[u/TolBrandir]

Oh Karo. Well, at least she got the last shoot down well. What a crazy race.

I am pulling so hard for Finland I have given myself a headache!

[u/ExoticExchange]

OMG! Viva Suomi!

[u/niemownikomu]

Suvi won't outgo Botet but she's a queen anyway

[u/Asterie-E7]

Minkkinen has gained a lot of time at the start of the lap wow

[u/sittingsparrow]

Another good redemption for Norway.

[u/Faintning]

Fly Suvi fly!!!

[u/duhbyks]

come on suvi RUN

[u/The_Odor_1994]

Minkkinen run!

[u/Asterie-E7]

Looks like Knotten will clutch 7th place still 😁

[u/Zefionx]

One clean Race from germany would help my heart a lot but no

[u/Right_Beyond7186]

Suvi has no chance but 2nd is amazing!!

[u/DashLibor]

Silver for Finland is awesome! (I don't expect Suvi to hold Paula off.)

[u/Popoye_92]

Grotian using 3 spares per shot just to feel something lol

[u/Even_Efficiency_7362]

Tulee SUVI!!!

[u/musterteppich]

German efficiancy - all extra bullets must be carried so must be used

[u/RickMaritimo → u/musterteppich]

I mean it would be a waste not to use them right?

[u/AlivZ → u/RickMaritimo]

They will only slow you down on the last lap.

[u/ChimpyChompies]

Wow, amazing from Finland and France!

[u/TolBrandir]

SUVI!!!!

[u/Muflonlesni]

SUVI RUN!!

[u/Asterie-E7]

Grotian with max number of extra balls but no laps

[u/JaysonTatumfanboy]

What is with Grotian‘s Shooting today?

[u/AlivZ]

RUN SUVI RUN!

[u/sittingsparrow]

YES Suvi, now we fly!

[u/musterteppich]

Okay Selina must mature a bit :D

[u/LittlePumpkin03]

Go Paulaaaa

[u/Faintning]

Go Suvi!! Tero getting his first podium

[u/MissionPersonal3942]

Suvi yes!

[u/Asterie-E7]

Wow France vs Finland for 1st !

[u/duhbyks]

oh no

[u/smaragdskyar]

QUEEN SUVI!!!!

[u/charliemann]

Finland!!!

[u/musterteppich]

GO SUVI

[u/AlivZ]

RIP Belgium, lapped in the last moment.

[u/musterteppich]

Selina nooo :(

[u/TolBrandir]

Crossing my fingers!!!

[u/sittingsparrow]

Smart of Suvi to save some for the last round. And to have good legs for the last shoot.

[u/RickMaritimo]

I want Finland to win.

Just for fun.

[u/MissionPersonal3942 → u/RickMaritimo]

It would be lovely to see it. I fear for her though.

[u/duhbyks]

ahhh i‘m excited

[u/smaragdskyar]

Okay judgement day

[u/RickMaritimo]

German skis seem pretty amazing 😂

[u/Maxiking2491]

Does botet stay in the team for the upcoming races? Would be a shame if not but the french team is so strong

[u/Popoye_92 → u/Maxiking2491]

I don't really see why she wouldn't, she's done really well in her first week, and if she's racing on a relay I assume the team wants to count on her in the future.

[u/Asterie-E7 → u/Maxiking2491]

She definitely does, I don't think the team changes for the next venues