Polina Frolova and Andrey Lamov won the mixed sprint-relay at ESOC. It was a finish battle between Russia-1, Sweden-3 (Frida Sandberg and Ulrik Nordberg) and Russia-2 (Mariya Kechkina ana Sergey Gorlanov). Only one team per nation counts in ESOC and in this case Finland-3 took the bronze (Marjut Turunen and Ville Petteri Saarela).
Polina Frolova (Russia-1): There are strong athletes in Russia that is why it was such interesting battle till the finish line among even national teams. Lack of snow caused difficulties during the relay and it made us harder to ski the cuttings through. Also during the mass-start there was no marking, so some of the athletes go as skate skiing, some – as classic skiing.
Frida Sandberg (Sweden-3): I had some problems at the first leg, I fell twice in start leg and there were many people around me so it caused some problems to pass them. But the second and my last leg were nice. As for the forest, it is a bit tricky as there is not that much snow. Anyway today`s position is wonderful, this is my first medal in mixed relay and I know Ulrik very well and it is good to be in team with him.
Marjut Turunen (Finland-3): My start was quite difficult, because I was staying behind and it was difficult to pass the people. But after this my next legs were better and better. It was quite basic and easy orienteering, it was not about technically point, but about speed.
Svetlana Korneva
