Five straight blue-yellow victories would have been achieved in sprint relays, a distance that is usually only run once or twice per season in the World Cup.
In the Italian alpine resort of Cogne, the streak, which began as early as 2021, came to an end in a relay in classic style where several top skiers were missing.
Especially Johanna Hagström, unaccustomed to the distance, had to struggle hard and was forced to let a gap open up ahead of the final leg.
I'm not in top form, but I shouldn't be now either. Oh, how tough it was, says Hagström with a laugh to Viaplay.
Seventh before the finale
Maja Dahlqvist went out as seventh on her final leg. Germany, which had a slight grip before the finale, had to let both Finland and Sweden pass them.
In the end, only a few seconds separated them from victory, but Dahlqvist was never really close to catching up with Joensuu.
I still think we did a good team sprint, says Dahlqvist after securing a blue-yellow podium spot.
I'm glad I had Maja on the second leg, says Hagström.
Receipt for Halfvarsson
The Swedish men also got to step up onto the podium in Cogne. Calle Halfvarsson and Oskar Svensson finished third behind victorious Norway (Even Northug/Erik Valnes) and second-placed France.
I think it felt really good, I almost didn't get tired, says Halfvarsson to Viaplay.
A nice form indication after the back problems that have bothered Halfvarsson earlier in the season. Maybe it's enough to get to ride the sprint relay with Edvin Anger, who rested now, when it's time for the World Championship in Trondheim in about a month.
Oskar Svensson was also strong when everything was to be decided on the final leg. He was less than a second behind Norway at the finish.
It's Oskar who delivers at the end, I just hung on, says Halfvarsson to Viaplay.
This weekend, the competitions continue with individual sprint, also in classic style, on Saturday and 10 kilometers in free style on Sunday.
