One can expect some tactics during a 4 x 10 k relay in heavy snowfall for world championship glory. To summarize nearly two hours of racing in three sentences there was this: Russia off the front, then in the middle. Norway in the middle, then off the front. Then Klæbo becoming the king of coy as he tempts Bolshunov and pounces for the win.
This 4 x 10 k relay provided a wealth of storyline threads to consider. There are good skis and bad skis. Good legs and some not-so-good legs. Teams with no matches to burn, others with one match to rule them all. Over 1:52:39 minutes, viewers were witness to much that is great about the sport. We were treated to pure drag racing and chess match tactics that concluded with Norway winning gold.
Here is to breaking down the 2021 World Championship relay on the podcast.
