It wasn’t the first time Swiss skier Valerio Grond outsprinted Edvin Anger. Now, a teammate shares insights on the team’s atmosphere and Grond’s true strength.

The Swiss men’s team delivered a stunning performance in the relay, securing a sensational silver medal at the World Championships. The team, consisting of Cyril Fähndrich, Jonas Baumann, Jason Rueesch, and Valerio Grond, finally stepped out of the shadows of Norway and Sweden.

From the start, it was clear that Switzerland was fighting for a medal. They remained strong throughout the race, setting up a thrilling finish. Valerio Grond, known for his sprinting power, stunned Swedish fans and experts alike by holding off Edvin Anger in the final stretch. However, teammate Cyril Fähndrich wasn’t surprised.

“Then they’ve never met Valerio Grond,” Fähndrich said in the mixed zone, according to Langd.se.

“People still haven’t realized how fast he is. He’s proven multiple times that he’s incredible in those final meters,” he added.

This wasn’t the first time Grond had beaten Anger. In December, during the Davos World Cup, Grond and Janik Riebli finished ahead of Johan Häggström and Anger in the team sprint, with Anger once again losing the final sprint to Grond.

Also Read: Norway wins Relay for men at the Trondheim World Championships

Strength in the Team

Grond is recognized as one of the world’s top freestyle sprinters. His world-class finishing secured Switzerland’s silver, and Fähndrich praised the entire team’s effort.

“We knew that if it came down to a sprint, we had a top finisher. I’m so incredibly happy about this medal. It’s a dream come true,” Fähndrich said after the race.

Grond finished ninth in the World Championship sprint last Thursday and previously achieved a career-best third place in a sprint final in Lahti 2024 and Livigno 2023.

Switzerland has made significant progress in cross-country skiing in recent years, and their recent success is yet another testament to their growth.

“We have the perfect mix of young talent, experienced skiers, and an incredible team spirit. We push each other, and I think that’s a huge part of our success,” Fähndrich explained.

With this performance, Switzerland has once again made its mark in the world of cross-country skiing, proving they belong among the best.

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