[ad_1]
– I would like to say that my goal this season is to be in the top 10, because I have been close, Karoline Knotten told NRK just before leaving for Finland.
That goal was already achieved in the second race of the World Cup.
Because even though she was defeated by both Hanna Öberg and Mars Olsbu Røiseland, it was Knotten who was responsible for today’s upset.
SURPRISED: Karoline Knotten from the Anterselva WC.
Photo: Berit Roald / NTB
– It’s a breakthrough and a sensation. It really is so deserved, says Andreas Stabrun Smith.
– I want to hug everyone
For Knotten, who has never been on the podium in a World Cup singles race, he shot two full runs and maintained good speed on the track. In the end, he captured third place, 37.8 seconds behind Öberg.
– It is now I wish it was not a crown and such, because I want to hug everyone. When I reached the finish line, Ingrid asked me if I was aware that there could be a place on the podium, and I wasn’t, says Knotten.
INSPIRED: Karoline Knotten was very surprised when she took the podium after the last shot.
– Karoline has worked very dedicated since she was 13 years old, and has trained a lot. I have always believed that she will take back all the work she has done, and she does it here in Finland, praises Ingrid Tandrevold.
Knotten became the best Norwegian woman also in the normal distance, with a 20th place.
– I didn’t feel as good as yesterday, because today there was some ice underneath. I was a little unsure and a little stressed when I was about to shoot, but I managed to calm myself on the stand, says Knotten, and he jumps for joy when Røiseland leaves in the middle of the interview.
– I’m so happy. I can’t quite believe it, says Knotten.
– The strongest team
Røiseland says she struggled during the shooting, but the help of coaches before kickoff helped her stay calm on the stand despite her insecurity.
– Two girls on the podium is crazy. Karoline has a bright and good future ahead of her. He has really worked for this, and it is well deserved, says the 29-year-old, who was 23.9 seconds behind Öberg.
– This is the strongest team we have had since I was with him, and Karoline is completely raw and today he is on the podium, praise.
Emilie Kalkenberg also had her best run in the World Cup, with an impeccable shot and a 14th place. Tiril Eckhoff, on the other hand, had the sprint, like the normal distance, spoiled by three booms when lying down. She was number 43.
– I tried to be offensive, but I don’t know exactly what I’m doing. I am disappointed and it is very boring. That I get down five feet shows that at least I have something inside. I’m a bit outside, says Eckhoff.
– There are very strange circumstances, he adds.
Winner of the first sprint
Hanna Öberg delivered brilliantly, with two full houses and a speed faster than Røiseland on the track, clearly winning.
– It’s a Hanna Öberg cannon race. The Swedes had a very good weekend here, on very good skis, says Stabrun Smith.
– I opened offensively and they told me I was off to a good start, so I felt good. I felt safe on the stand and it feels lovely. The goal before the season has been to win a sprint so I’m happy, the winner tells NRK.
Eckhoff is impressed with Sweden, which yesterday had five women in the top 11 and three in the top five today.
– He’s completely wild with Öberg. Mars is in great shape, so they’ve obviously done a very good job.
Johannes Thingnes Bø won the men’s sprint, ahead of Swedish duo Sebastian Samuelsson and Martin Ponsiluoma.
