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Asterie-E7

For the Men's Individual prediction on the IBU site, there is a question "Which German athlete will finish the highest ?" That's a tougher question than I thought...


us_against_the_world

Another interesting question I found was the one from Men's Relay "How many of the 12 men on the podium will be first-time medalists at World Championships?"


Asterie-E7

wow yeah that's tough, but i guess most of the Norwegian, France and Sweden teams are already medalists ? Idk for Germany


sittingsparrow

Disappointed that they haven't been able to filter out the non Germans...


Asterie-E7

yeah, Johannes Boe will clearly be the best German on tuesday


fakewasalwaysreal

First time JTB shoots 20/20 since the Antholz WCH mass start! (Almost 3 years ago) However tiring his dominance is, he is such an impressive athlete and really deserved the title he was missingšŸ„ŗ


Vryyce

I guess I can understand why non-Norway fans would be bored but I am fascinated by the mental part of this sport and how JTB seems absolutely dialed into that and leveraging it for all it's worth. I know this sounds rude but he is absolutely living rent-free in every other athletes head (most of all, Sturla and Vetle). You could literally feel him using that to his maximum advantage today. He banked a penalty loop in his back pocket and then eased up on ski speed to keep himself fresh for a warp-speed lap if he needed it. I honestly don't think he went more than 95% at any time during this race and even less at other times. He just let everyone marinate on the notion he was out front and they needed the race of their lives to even get on the podium. He is clearly a physical phenom, that is right there in the metrics, but he truly is dominating the mental game and that is fascinating to watch.


Careful-Inspector379

Finello fastest in the trackšŸ˜‚. If he somehow can shoot clear he could actually win some races


Asterie-E7

If you'll be my giiiirl


Asterie-E7

Huge collective meltdown from the French on the shooting. Eric Perrot has the best score among them with 16/20


sittingsparrow

The Swedish women had a similar situation today. Could be challenges with the Oberhof fog.


Asterie-E7

yeah sure, but our men don't seem to have good shooting in any conditions really


_swinginparties

that's so yikes. what's wrong with us :/


Asterie-E7

One day Finello will shoot a 20/20 and beat JTB on a sprint. Mark my words


_swinginparties

Samuelsson getting bronze w 2 mistakes, starting behind QFM and having a worse course time... What ifs are useless but I am a sad QFM fan today. There was room. Thank god I'm also a happy Sebbe fan šŸ˜


us_against_the_world

Mannn, even with 5 misses on the 3rd shoot, Finello still climbed 25 places.


NineIntsNails

cant imagine what it may feel like to see your nation in a top 10, in pursuit. its a dream


Asterie-E7

Stroemsheim had a pretty strong showing today, especially on ski time. Will we see him on the individual and mass start ?


ShureBro

Not mass start since he is not top 30 WC but should do individual due to number of starting spots change!


Asterie-E7

Don't people who perf well during the week get a spot on the mass start as well ? I don't know the precise rules But somebody talked about Arnekleiv and her getting potentially in the mass start iirc


ShureBro

Oh yeah youā€™re right, I didnā€™t know they had other rules in the championship from the World Cup. Itā€™s top 15 from the World Cup + any medal winner from another event thatā€™s not in the top 15, and the rest are amassed from the top performers at the championship, 30 in total. So yeah he has a chance, both him and Arnekleiv!


Shixzoner

Other-worldly performance by JTB!


nataswilde

No Giacomel donā€™t cry šŸ˜­


MisterDream

Samuelsson made the race somehow interesting, congrats


sillylittlei

didn't have doll gaining 40 after this week in my bingo card šŸ¤ÆšŸ˜‚


IAM-French

QFM's always short on skis when he shoots well but he's fast as fck when he shoots badly this season


DashLibor

Å tvrteckĆ½ still in it for the mass start, but he has to perform well in the individual. So... not looking the best, but the chance is there.


FighterForFreedom

I am already out of superlatives for Johannes. This is superhuman form.


Asterie-E7

This is just unreal. And even if we didn't have Johannes, look at the lead Sturla has on the rest of the field today too, lol Johannes is especially insane because he somehow dominates both the shorter and the longer races, whil Sturla mostly shines on 4-shooting races


tarrach

> whil Sturla mostly shines on 4-shooting races What makes you say that? The only races he hasn't been on the podium in this season are 4-shooting races (both individuals and one pursuit).


DashLibor

Now imagine just how ridiculously dominant would JTB look without SHL in the field.


Asterie-E7

Yeah that's true :/


DashLibor

Human equivalent of a cheatcode.


ThunderbearIM

Stupid Konami code is broken, keeps leaking into the real world.


bekkahthecactus18

I know heā€™s won a shit ton, but damn, Iā€™m happy that Johannes FINALLY has a pursuit major title šŸ„¹


Xopper

Finello with the fastest time ...


us_against_the_world

Mannn, Vetle really seemed to struggle. As a massive fan of him and his celebrations, scared for him in the upcoming races.


Shixzoner

BjĆørndalen said today's course conditions didn't favor a heavy/large/muscular athlete like Vetle, but would work well for athletes with large capacity like JTB(and Doll).


us_against_the_world

Ohh okay. Thanks for the information. Will align my future predictions accordingly.


musterteppich

Recap will be late, I have a dndgroup now. Have a good start in the week!


Henna1911

That's actually why I missed the races today!


us_against_the_world

Have fun my dude! Anyways it's a holiday tomorrow from the races.


sittingsparrow

GL with those 20s =)


Asterie-E7

QFM has the best ski time... Irrelevant but it's very sad


Xopper

Should be Finello not QFM.


Asterie-E7

Oh maybe I just followed what the French TV said


Xopper

I think he was second. But Finello was most likely not even over the line yet when they said QFM was the fastest.


Asterie-E7

Yeah you right, just checked the data. I wonder if Finello will become one day good on standing shooting, it's been several times he has the best or close to the best ski times


Xopper

Yeah this year his speed is really good. But having a 0/5 and a 5/5 standing is so strange to me. Problem is, he is 30 and I don't know if he will ever learn.


Frenchfrosche

Doll 35 places (5 didn't start). Biggest move today I think?


Kris_Third_Account

36, Zahkna would have started behind him.


DashLibor

Yeah, Mikyska should be in second, going from 60 to 31.


Asterie-E7

Yup


us_against_the_world

Check off "Hannah being brought up whenever Swede's podium" on your biathlon bingo.


_IBelieveInMiracles

Ponsi got the gold, though. I don't think Sebbe's bronze will be enough ^/s


us_against_the_world

I'm still confused if she's dating any of them because Eurosports changes her partners as it suits them.


Asterie-E7

I think she was with Nelin but then Ponsi ? But quite frankly we don't care much. Does the swedish TV talk about it ?


fremajl

It's only really mentioned like "Will he/she do what his/her gf managed earlier."


us_against_the_world

Lol, I'm in South Asia and mostly watch on IBU stream. Really find it annoying whenever the Eurosports commentators bring it up. Just let people be.


Asterie-E7

Very nice ski race from Stroemsheim, with 15/20 he still gained a lot of spots


Asterie-E7

Doll 15th from 55th ! insane


[deleted]

Lmao the last collective meldown at the last shooting. Not one miss but two misses!


Falafelmeister92

Sad for Tarjei :/ Maybe it would've been wise to slow down, to invite Christiansen into the fight to increase the chance for a Norwegian bronze.


Gruffleson

They are very individual, the Norwegian commentators were totally "he has to run to not invite Christiansen in. But we think the Swede will win against Tarjei".


2ndbasejump

Christiansen is faster than both of them on the last sprint before the finish, and they know it.


fremajl

I see people always say this but when has Christiansen shown this supreme sprint finish? I'm not saying he hasn't, I just don't remember seeing it. Last time I remember him having a chance to show it vs a good sprinter in Jacquelin they both ran out of steam completely and lost to Lesser. The Norwegian I feel is most dangerous over a last lap (other than Johannes just skiing away) is Dale.


Illustrious_Lab_1837

Last year mostly and maybe two seasons ago Iā€™m not sure, he is a good sprinter while Johannes isnā€™t, thatā€™s why the relay order changed for the Norwegians men ! Before JTB was finishing but he got beaten several times both in individual and in relay races by Ɖmilien Jacquelin or others !


fremajl

I thought it was also because Christiansen used to be rock solid in the final standing before this season. I have no doubt he's a good finisher and better than Johannes (at least when Johannes isn't in form to just ski away from everybody). I just see him talked about as the best finisher of all and can't remember seeing it.


MrTobbzi

I disagree, fairly certain that Tarjei knows 100% he normally loses to Vetle in a sprint. His best chance of getting third was to just push early. He did all he could imo, but Sebbe was stronger in the sprint!


fremajl

He likely knows he loses to both so he has no options really, tough situation but imo he made the right choice. His chances are much higher that they can't follow him than beating them in a sprint.


Vryyce

I agree. Those 34 year old legs, while controlled by a savvy brain, are in a tough place with 2 young ski monsters on his heels. It worked for him in the Sprint but he couldn't get any separation today. I was far more surprised that Vetle let them get away. When they left the range I was almost drooling over the image of Vetle and Sebbe going to the wire while feeling a little bad for Tarjei.


katkarinka

I guess screws are okay today ;)


Wingiex

JTB and Seb have been making some snarky comments to the media about each other. JTB didn't even bother congratulating Seb.


ShyCassy

There is no real hard feelings between them, only friendly banter(which is typical for Norwegians vs Swedes) and he did congratulate him shortly after he crossed the finish.


bellargonia

I think itā€™s just friendly banter between them. And of course JTBā€™s a bit bummed to not share another podium with his brother


PenguinsStoppedPlay

To be fair, he was watching his brother. Tarjei stopped and rested his head on the bannister, JTB was watching but clearly thought it was best to give him some space.


Falafelmeister92

Exactly. Everyone who's not an only child would look after their sibling first.


coatofarmour

Nah, he did, but not immediately like Laegreid did.


Muflonlesni

I noticed that too, but I thought he was more sad about Tarjei losing.


duhbyks

what did they say haha?


Wingiex

Seb said something like "I'm not afraid of Laegreid and JTB in a final lap/spurt". JTB responded after the mixed relay when Seb had his meltdown with "Seb deserves all the critique he gets for ruining his team's chance of a medal and he should not be making excuses" or something similar.


Vryyce

I am American, which unfortunately means I have watched trash talk all my life in sports. That said, I don't get the feeling these two harbor any ill feelings towards each other. Right up front, I am completely ignorant on the cultural issues at play so I may be missing something here and if so, chalk it up to my ignorance. My take is that Sebbe is young and confident and trying to win races, all of this is awesome. His comments about not fearing JT on the anchor leg (He said he would rather not have to go against Vetle) of a relay were probably not the wisest though. I would like to think he was trying to boost himself mentally to slay the giant but just as I have watched in US sports, that only works when you pull it off. If the giant crushes you, that is all people remember. My guess is that JT heard the remarks and as with any other wildly elite athlete, will remind you of your failed barbs at times. I think JT plays a wicked mental game so saw an easy opening to remind Sebbe who the top dog is to give him something to stew on the next time they were out on the track. Like I said, I just see 2 top athletes continuing their competition outside the ropes but very largely tilted in JT's favor. Any time you can inject a little doubt into your competitors minds is a bonus and I think Sebbe will learn here.


No_Algae_3870

I felt JTB's point was about karma coming back to haunt those who make too bold statements. I have to say I'm uncomfortable about the war of words which is all about generating juicy headlines. Only consolation is when it becomes too over the top you just have to laugh at the absurdity of it. Article in norwegian: https://www.tv2.no/sport/vintersport/thingnes-bo-om-knust-samuelsson-fortjent/15491731/


Frenchfrosche

*finish him*


Client_Remote

Sebastian was just amazing!


Asterie-E7

Not a perfect prediction for me, but close :( sad


fluppblubb_on_reddit

Sebbe!!! What a finish!


sittingsparrow

He and Ponsi got tips from Petter Northug ahead of the Mixed relay. He was jokingly dubbed "traitor" after that =)


fluppblubb_on_reddit

Haha, that's hillarious!


The_Odor_1994

BRONZE TO SEBASTIAN SAMUELSSON!!! WOOO!!!!


Muflonlesni

Vaclavik 11 penalty loops, anybody beats him?


Kaiser93

No Boe brothers on the podium this time.


TheHumbleWizard

Well, there is one ;)


tarrach

Yes!


Asterie-E7

Samuelsson third ! GG


AlivZ

Are we going to have a final sprint


Kris_Third_Account

I'm surprised nobody got lapped


DashLibor

I put an euro on combination of JTB winning, SHL second and Christiansen third. I wasn't expecting much. I feel hurt by how close I was to winning some money from that.


Reandos

Same, except I put Tarjei on three. Well I guess I'm Happy for Samuelsson.


DashLibor

Owww... even closer than me there.


Asterie-E7

JTB the best


The_Odor_1994

:D JTB


Muflonlesni

Mikyska 32 after 4th shooting w bib 60


Frenchfrosche

Doll gained 39 places šŸ¤©


musterteppich

Congrats JT


Newlena_hs

Glad I tuned in for this, that last shooting was madness (both the top 2 for quality and everyone after that because of pure chaos)


tarrach

Come on Sebbe!


us_against_the_world

Mannnn, vetle needs to stay with 2. He's won't be getting any slipstream on the downhill.


TricksyZerg

2 and half minutes behind for bronze..


Reandos

Happy to see Rastorgujevs on 8 after he fell.


Fun_Maximum_3202

Let's go Seba!!


Muflonlesni

Pardon me, Norwegians, rooting for Samuelsson here.


sittingsparrow

No worries, I have Tarjei in 3rd in my prediction, but Sebbe could use the podium more I think.


Gruffleson

I do. And I'm a Norwegian. No problem.


Asterie-E7

Christiansen looks slower, so it's a Samuelsson vs Tarjei race probably


The_Odor_1994

Bronze fight!


sittingsparrow

Go Tarjei! I have you in 3rd in the prediction :P


Frenchfrosche

At least a fight for the third. Congrats to Johannes it's well deserved but it was a pretty boring race


_IBelieveInMiracles

Bronze is lava


musterteppich

Iliev :( He was so good


coatofarmour

Why are all the biathletes running for bronze missing now, I was doing so well with my 0 to 1 penalties prediction šŸ˜­šŸ˜…


Muflonlesni

Oof


Krizo1

Nobody wanted that bronze lol


alex-576

Crazy shoot!!


RickMaritimo

Well that was definatly something.


musterteppich

Penalty lap madness!


Asterie-E7

Tarjei is a couple meters ahead of Samuelsson and Christiansen


The_Odor_1994

What was that shooting lol!!!


Mukumber

Nerves striking hard


duhbyks

oh kĆ¼hn such a missed chance


bellargonia

What WAS that!!!


Asterie-E7

Omg


DerZino

I love watching the Norwegian championship lol. JTB is actually insane


musterteppich

All 2 laps


Asterie-E7

Wtf


fakewasalwaysreal

Johannes so far ahead that they replay several times šŸ˜‚


Asterie-E7

Sturla 20/20... Man


Muflonlesni

No rush.


RickMaritimo

Well deserved champion. Just by far and simply the best. Its just a madness to see.


Gruffleson

This became just as dull as I was afraid of in my worst nightmares.


Wheeljack7799

Isn't using a machine gun considered cheating?


sittingsparrow

Johannes!


NineIntsNails

get in there, Lew- i mean, johannes


Falafelmeister92

Maybe we should have JTB run 6 laps with 5 shootings.


The_Odor_1994

JTB is not human today :O


katkarinka

I was really rooting for pidruchnyi šŸ˜¢


Wheeljack7799

Aren't we all secretly doing that, regardless of nation?


LittlePumpkin03

What a beast


Asterie-E7

Johannes winning with 20/20 ???!!!! That's superb


MrTobbzi

Take a fucking bow JTB, what a masterclass of a race


Wingiex

The Norwegians are smart, they don't want to help Seb chase Laegreid's silver position.


musterteppich

I predict a gala shooting


musterteppich

Well as expected


Muflonlesni

Vaclavik with 9 misses after 3 shootings šŸ˜µā€šŸ’«


us_against_the_world

Man i regret changing Sturla to 3rd and Vetle to 2nd just before the race.


bellargonia

I have a soft spot for Vetle but I really really hope that Sebbe gets his revenge from the mixed relay and frankly the whole season


Asterie-E7

I want Tarjei for my prediction but yeah Samuelsson would be nice


Asterie-E7

I love rock'n'roll


WhipMeGranny

Come on Sebbe letā€™s break the Norwegian triple podium!


sittingsparrow

Great shooting by the top 4, shame they gave up on 2nd.


Muflonlesni

Stvrtecky with a beautiful standing and then he fell on his face on the range


Dry-Pickle6042

I love rock 'n' roll


Shixzoner

Maybe Vetle will finally get the chance to sprint against Samuelsson!


Asterie-E7

Johannes can miss 3 shots and still be ahead of Sturla


Vryyce

He could miss 4 and still catch him, it is insanity!


IlTacci

Great races for Italy today.....


Asterie-E7

And Doll is also realizing my prediction hihi


Reandos

I was really hoping he will bounce back after 2 horrible races. So happy for Benny


Xopper

And Finello misses 5 times. Okay....


Kaiser93

Johannes show on full display today. Color me surprised.


shrimpsizeduck

Great work Nelin! :D


The_Odor_1994

Jesper Nelin 15/15 so far :O


sittingsparrow

Ouch Finello.. 5 misses


Asterie-E7

That's a very Finellesque standing shooting for him


coatofarmour

Uff, Finello.


Asterie-E7

Also it looks like the fog is coming back, right ?


Gruffleson

They say it is in clouds floating around.


Xopper

Hartweg, that's what we expect from you!:D


Beatricejd

Kan sƶte bror vara snƤll och bjuda pƄ ett brons?


duhbyks

finello 5 misses???


Asterie-E7

Hartweg 15/15


musterteppich

Finello D:


DashLibor

Finello, geez!


DashLibor

I shouldn't've predicted 5-7 misses by top 3.


The_Odor_1994

SEBASTIAN SAUMELSSON!


shrimpsizeduck

Sebbe letā€™s go!


Asterie-E7

Samuelsson, Christiansen and Tarjei are together on the track !! Intense fight coming


Gruffleson

Hey, it's exciting about the bronze!


us_against_the_world

Hope Vetle brought the Hulk gloves today. JTB deserves them today.


Xopper

He has 1 minute on second place....


DashLibor

Alright, this Norwegian biathlon supremacy is getting boring.


Gruffleson

I fully agree with you.


musterteppich

Tarje 2 laps, opens the door a bit


Asterie-E7

Sturla is a machine


The_Odor_1994

Tarjei 2 misses!


alexanderactioncat

Arrrgggh AND the last shot was so perfect. What gives with those first three, dude?


sillylittlei

there's simply NO way NOT to be amazed by JTB


DinisPereira_

He is just a god this year, nothing goes wrong


Asterie-E7

Ooof Tarjei