The sky was blue this Saturday in Antholz-Antselva. For the fourth time of the season in four races, the French team won the relay on the Italian track, after a new demonstration. Imperials with shooting (only 4 pickaxes), Fabien Claude, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Eric Perrot and Emilien Jacquelin gave their opponents a new lesson to crush the competition. As often, Norway (+43''6) and Sweden (+44''0) complete the podium, without ever having seemed to be able to fight against the Blues, more than ever leaders in the race for the little globe.
Suspense, there has never been really. The time of a relay, where Sturla Laegreid made her qualities of the weekend on skis speak to take a few seconds to Fabien Claude. But it didn't last. Incandescent on skis, perfect behind the rifle, Quentin Fillon Maillet and Eric Perrot quickly extinguished all hope for the Norwegians to finally win a relay this winter. From 8''5 in advance after the first relay, they approached the last relay with 56''6 late, the fault of the complicated passages on the pitch of the Boe brothers (4 and 3 picks), far too much for Hope to hold the dragee high to this French team.
More than ever favorites in the Worlds
Serene, placed on the pitch, without ever taking any risks despite an unlikely fault of Emilien Jacquelin in the penultimate lap, the Habs were able to manage their advance during a relay too quickly reduced to a race to second place. In front, the Blues were above the lot, as always this season and almost even more than usual. Their fourth success in four relays allows them to widen the gap at the top of the World Cup, to give themselves balm to the heart before the continuation of Sunday. But, above all, to approach the Worlds in full confidence, and in great favorites.
In machine-gun mode: Jacquelin's flawlessness which ensures the victory of the Blues in relay
-Video credit: Eurosport
Behind France, Norway has played to be afraid in the race in second place. Despite a classic relay with Christiansen's return to finisher, the Norwegians saw Sweden and Italy come back to the last standing shot very quickly, with two picks that completely revived the two nations. Samuelsson took the opportunity to pick up before the last straight line. Not Giacomel whose pickaxe was too much. But, as often, Norway was able to count on the sprint of Christiansen, more powerful and fresh than Samuelsson to keep 2nd place. At home, Italy must be satisfied with 4th place (+ 1'03''4). Far, very far from the tricolor demonstration.
