Most of the men's skiers on the Norwegian national biathlon team are in place to say goodbye to Sivert Guttorm Bakken, who was found dead on December 23 during the national team camp in Italy. They will then return to Ruhpolding, Germany, for this week's World Cup competitions, which for the men start with a relay on Thursday.
It was of course incredibly sad, but there were many nice words that described Sivert as he was, says Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen, who could not hold back his tears, to Norwegian media after the funeral.
He was genuine and honest.
At the same time as the funeral in Norway, a memorial service was held in a church in Ruhpolding, open to all biathletes who cannot be present at the funeral, foreign skiers and the Norwegian women's skiers who will be competing in the relay on Wednesday.
Last week, a memorial ceremony was held for Bakken ahead of the first men's race in Oberhof.
The cause of death is still unclear. Bakken was wearing an altitude mask when he was found dead in the hotel room.
The family has established a memorial fund in honor of Sivert Guttorm Bakken, VG reports.
