Norway 1, Russia 2 and Finland 1 conclude the ladies relay podium

For the 10th time in a row, the Norwegian ladies team claims the victory in a relay event.

Heidi Weng started off for team Norway 1 in the 4th position behind Evelina Settlin (SWE), Yulia Belorukova (RUS 1), Sadie Bjornsen (USA) and Anamarija Lampic (SLO). Belorukova and Bjornsen alternating the lead and kept up the high pace in this first classic leg. Team Russia 1 going into the first exchange in first position, followed by USA at + 0.6 seconds and Japan (Masako to Takizawa) in third.

Heidi Weng passed on to Therese Johaug who started off in 4th position, 7.3 seconds behind. After the first lap, Johaug caught up with Neprayeva who was still in the leaders position for team Russia 1. At the second exchange, Johaug passed on to Ragnhild Haga who started off with +9.4 seconds ahead.

Krista Parmakoski (FIN) advanced her team to the third position, following +15.9 behind Johaug.

The third leg was led by Haga who extended the gap to finally 10 seconds to the the following Anastasia Sedova of team Russia 1 who caught up. Riitta-Liisa Roponen cought up with Sedova, following only 0.6 seconds behind but closely being followed by the second Russian team 2 with Mariya Istomina.

For the final leg, Ingvild Flugstad Østberg started off with a comfortable 20.7 second gap to Elena Soboleva who led the Russian team 2 into the final 5 km. Only 0.5 seconds apart, Eveliina Piippo was in the chase. The win for the Norwegian ladies team was as good as secured. The decision for the remaining spots on the podium however, led to a spectacular final lap, ending with a tight finish for team Russia 2 and Finland, crossing 0.5 seconds apart.