The Norwegian team of Tarjei Boe, JT Boe, Juni Arnekleiv and Karoline Offigstad Knotten won the first Blink mixed relay in 35:01.9 despite 2 penalties and 12 spare rounds. Later in the evening, two French squads battled for the single mixed relay title with the Lou Jeanmonnot/Quentin Fillon Maillet duo taking the win in 26:54.3, using 7 spare rounds.

After a beautiful sunny Friday, Saturday turned rainy for the two new competitions, the mixed and single mixed relays at Blink. All of the biggest names lined up for the mixed relay on national teams, but in the single mixed, they really mixed up, with several multi-national teams on the start.

Mixed Relay

When you put the Boe brothers in a relay, the result is typically a victory. Despite a penalty by Tarjei, the duo set up the women’s legs with their ski speed. Arnekleiv added a penalty, but the steady-shooting Knotten used just 2 spares to seal the win. The top French team anchored by Justine Braisaz-Bouchet finished a distant second 35 seconds back with 13 spares. Norway 2 with Sturla Holm Laegreid and Johannes Dale-Skjevdal finished third, 44.4 seconds back with 10 spares.

French Battle in Single Mix

The French battle came down to the winners using just 7 spares, while second place Julia Simon/Eric Perrot skied fast, but had a penalty and a dozen spares, leaving them a mere 3.3 seconds back. Third went the mixed nation team of Martin Nevland and Hanna Oeberg, 39.4 seconds back, with 11 spares.

Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni