Norwegian quartet secure relay gold in Austria

The Scandinavian outfit – made up of Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, Henrik L'Abee Lund, Erlend Bjoentegaard and Lars Helge Birkeland – crossed the line with nine spares in 1:21:21.8 – nearly two minutes ahead of nearest challengers Germany.

The Germans crossed in 1:54.9, while France, without superstar Martin Fourcade, battled through for third in the first relay of the campaign.

It was a strong showing by the Norwegians, who were without Emil Hegle Svendsen and both Tarjei and Johannes Thingnes Bo for the relay.

They were 1.7 seconds behind Belarus after the first exchange, but from then on established a comfortable lead, which they would not surrender, Birkeland sliding home comfortably for the win.

Lund, who raced the second leg for Norway, said: "It is really nice; a really good start for Norway and good for our confidence for the rest of the season."