“We feel very honored”

JT admitted the win was, “very special. With the circumstances around, with every fan coming here to watch us, being here in Norway, seeing so many fun things; they made skis for us, the starting bibs are for us. We (he and brother Tarjei who did not start) feel very honored. It’s a beautiful ending to get the victory here at home. It will, be for sure, memories for life.”

“Wanted to use the energy…emotions”

He felt some pressure from the fans, with every eye on him and tried to control his emotions. “It was tough. The energy in the crowd brings tears to my eyes under my sunglasses. I really wanted to use the energy, trying to get the emotions playing with me and not against me. It was a fun race, excellent shooting and good speed on the tracks. It was the very best way to do it. I felt the love from the people and I give them love back.”

Sprint, Individual Globes to JT, Sturla

JT’s victory gave him the fourth World Cup Sprint Score title of his career, but he remained second to Laegreid in the World Cup Total Score with two competitions remaining. Laegreid was awarded the World Cup Individual Score Globe which he secured last week at Pokljuka.

Teammate Laegreid shot clean in second place, 25.7 seconds back. Dale-Skjevdal finished in a season-best and first podium of the season third place, with one penalty, 36.7 seconds back.

IBU Cup Total Score winner Frey proved “ready for prime time,” finishing in a career-best fourth in his fifth World Cup start, with one penalty, 46.6 seconds back. Frey commented, “I have had this as a goal for a month or two. I train every day here in the summer and tried to be at my best today.” Soerum, with two penalties finished fifth, 59.8 seconds back. Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel broke up Norway’s Flower Ceremony domination in sixth place, with two penalties, 1:01.1 back.