Joint starts in biathlon have become a Norwegian parade event in recent years. In fact, you would have to go all the way back to Oberhof on New Year’s Day 2020 to find a previous podium finish without Norway’s participation.

In Finland it was Sturla Holm Lægreid’s turn, after Johannes Thingnes Bø, among others, shot himself in the street.

Lærgeid was behind Frenchman Eric Perrot on the final shot, but suffered one error. He was still second, and ended up in a pure duel with the Frenchman for victory.

– I felt he had a slight advantage in the last round with a small margin. I inserted a small pant at the end to close the gap and add pressure. Then I probably had a slightly higher heart rate than usual in such shots, and when I had to take the first quick shot to play a bit of a psychological game, I knocked myself out of action, Holm Lægreid told NRK.

Despite three obstacles along the way, Quentin Fillon-Maillet managed to get past the Norwegian all the way to the final hill.

Holm Lægreid ultimately secured third place after holding off Germany’s Danilo Riethmueller.

– How does it feel to get 3rd place today, Lægreid?

– Yes, it tastes good. Every time you get on the podium, it is an achievement. But it was great to be in the duel at the final shooting there, he said.

Norway ultimately finished with five athletes among the top nine.

Vebjørn Sørum (5), Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen (6), Endre Sørheim (7), Tarjei Bø (8) and Johannes Thingnes Bø (9). Johannes Dale-Skjevdal finally ranked 21st.