Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen: Difference between revisions

Before turning 17, Christiansen had made a clean sweep at the Junior Norwegian Championships in his age group, winning four gold medals and the Norwegian Biathlon Cup (Norgescupen) in his age category, called the Statkraft Junior Cup overall.<ref>{{cite news |last=Overn |first=Kristina |date=29 December 2009 |title=Se opp for disse i 2010! – Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen |trans-title=Look out for these in 2010! – Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen |url=http://eavis.aftenposten.no/aftenposten/10504/38 |language=Norwegian |newspaper=Aftenposten |access-date=3 October 2015}} {{in lang|no}} {{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.simostranda.no/web/filer/691168JrNMstafett035186.pdf |title=Stafett Menn 17–19 år (offisiell) |publisher=Simostranda IL |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Relay Men 17–19 years old (official)}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> He had also won two golds in the Junior Norwegian Summer Biathlon Championships in September 2008, in the 17-year-olds age group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2008-2009/SommerNmSprint.pdf |title=Resultatliste – NM Sommerskiskyting – Menn 17 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=List of results – NC (Norwegian Championships) Summer biathlon – Men 17 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2008-2009/sommernm_jaktstart_natrudstilen_210908.pdf |title=NM Sommerskiskyting – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 17 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Summer biathlon – Official list of results – Men 17 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> At the end of the 2008–09 season, Christiansen participated in the [[Norwegian Biathlon Championships 2009|2009 Norwegian Biathlon Championships]]. He did not participate in the 20&nbsp;km individual,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2008-2009/NMseniormennnormal.pdf |title=NM Normal Menn – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Individual Men – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> but finished 17th in the sprint and 8th in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2008-2009/NMseniormennsprint.pdf |title=NM Sprint Menn – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Sprint Men – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2008-2009/NMseniormennjaktstart.pdf |title=NM Jaktstart menn – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Pursuit men – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> This caused Christiansen to be selected for the first team of Buskerud alongside [[Christian Georg Bache]], [[Frode Andresen]] and Ole Einar Bjørndalen. Though he incurred a penalty loop, he made up two places over his leg, and good work by Andresen and Bjørndalen secured the gold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2008-2009/NMseniormennstafett.pdf |title=NM Skiskyting – Stafett Herrer – Resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Biathlon – Relay Men – List of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

During the off-season, Christiansen participated in the Junior Norwegian Summer Championships, in the age group for 18-year-olds. He won silver in the sprint and gold in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NMsommersprint.pdf |title=Resultatliste – NM 2009 Vik Sprint – Menn 18 år – 7,5KM |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=List of results – NC (Norwegian Championships) 2009 Vik Sprint – Men 18 years old – 7,5KM}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NMsommerjaktsprint.pdf |title=NM 2009 Vik Jaktstart – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 18 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2009 Vik Pursuit – Official list of results – Men 18 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> When the winter came, Christiansen debuted at the [[Biathlon Junior World Championships|Junior/Youth World Championships]] in [[Biathlon Junior World Championships 2010|2010]] in [[Torsby]], competing in the youth class. The first event was the 12.5&nbsp;km individual on 27 January, in which he received three penalty minutes but still won bronze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT0910JWRLCH__YMIN |title=Biathlon World Championships Junior – Torsby (SWE) – Youth Men 12.5 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Three days later, Christiansen won another bronze, this time in the 7.5&nbsp;km sprint.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT0910JWRLCH__YMSP |title=Biathlon World Championships Junior – Torsby (SWE) – Youth Men 7.5 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The next day, Christiansen fell two places and finished fifth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT0910JWRLCH__YMPU |title=Biathlon World Championships Junior – Torsby (SWE) – Youth Men 10 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Two days later, Christiansen raced in the 3 × 7.5&nbsp;km relay, taking the anchor leg. Christiansen started his leg in third position and kept that position until the end, and the team thus won bronze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT0910JWRLCH__YMRL |title=Biathlon World Championships Junior – Torsby (SWE) – Youth Men 3 x 7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Later in February, Christiansen participated in the Junior Norwegian Championships. He won gold in the individual, came fourth in the sprint, and won silver in the relay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NMjrnormalskiskyting.pdf |title=NM jr normal skiskyting – Resultatliste Menn 18 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) jr individual biathlon – List of results Men 18 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NMjrsprintskiskyting.pdf |title=NM jr sprint skiskyting – Resultatliste Menn 18 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) jr sprint biathlon – List of results Men 18 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NMjuniorstafettresultater.pdf |title=NM jr stafett skiskyting – Resultatliste – M 17–19 |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) jr relay biathlon – List of results – M 17–19}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> At the end of the season, Christiansen participated in the [[Norwegian Biathlon Championships 2010|Norwegian Championships at Simostranda]]. He did not race in the individual,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NM07_NormalMenn_res.pdf |title=NM 2010 Menn Normal 20 km – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2010 Men Individual 20 km – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> but came 11th in the sprint and 13th in the mass start.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/NM09_SprintMenn_res.pdf |title=NM 2010 Sprint Menn 10 km – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2010 Sprint Men 10 km – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/10_FellesMenn_res.pdf |title=NM 2010 Menn Fellesstart 15 km – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2010 Men Mass start 15 km – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In the relay, Christiansen took the first leg for the first team of Buskerud. He changed in third, but a total of five penalty loops by his teammates, [[Anders Brun Hennum]], Bache and Andresen, meant they finished in fifth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2009-2010/11_StafettMennres.pdf |title=NM 2010 Stafett Menn 4x7.5 km – Resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2010 Relay Men 4x7.5 km – List of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

In September 2010, Christiansen competed in the Junior Norwegian Summer Championships in the age group for 19-year-olds. He came second in both the sprint and pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMrulleskiSprint.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 19 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon – Official list of results – Men 19 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMrulleski-jaktstart2010-.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 19 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon – Official list of results – Men 19 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In January 2011, Christiansen again competed in the [[Biathlon Junior World Championships 2011|Junior/Youth World Championships]], this time in [[Nové Město na Moravě|Nové Město]], competing in the youth class. The first event was the 7.5&nbsp;km sprint on 29 January, in which he received two penalties and won silver.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1011JWRLCH__YMSP |title=IBU Youth/Junior World Championships Biathlon – Nove Mesto (CZE) – Youth Men 7.5 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The following day, Christiansen started eighteen seconds behind [[Maxim Tsvetkov]]. He missed four times but still won silver, thirty seconds behind Tsvetkov.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1011JWRLCH__YMPU |title=IBU Youth/Junior World Championships Biathlon – Nove Mesto (CZE) – Youth Men 10 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Two days later, Christiansen raced in the 12.5&nbsp;km individual in which he incurred three penalty minutes, and yet won bronze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1011JWRLCH__YMIN |title=IBU Youth/Junior World Championships Biathlon – Nove Mesto (CZE) – Youth 12.5 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Norway did not participate in the relay in the youth category,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1011JWRLCH__YMRL |title=IBU Youth/Junior World Championships Biathlon – Nove Mesto (CZE) – Youth 3 x 7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> but Christiansen was selected for team that raced in the junior category. Christiansen took the anchor leg. At the exchange, the Norwegians were in third position, Christiansen defended that position, and the Norwegians won bronze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1011JWRLCH__JMRL |title=IBU Youth/Junior World Championships Biathlon – Nove Mesto (CZE) – Junior Men 4 x 7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In March, Christiansen participated Junior Norwegian Championships. He won gold in the individual, came sixth in the sprint, but returned to the top of the podium in the relay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMjrnormal.pdf |title=NM junior, normal – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 19 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) junior, individual – Official list of results – Men 19 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMsprint.pdf |title=NM junior, sprint – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 19 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) junior, sprint – Official list of results – Men 19 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMstafett.pdf |title=NM junior, stafett – Resultatliste – M17-21 |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) junior, relay – List of results – M17-21}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> At the end of the season, Christiansen participated in the [[Norwegian Biathlon Championships 2011|2011 Norwegian Championships]]. He again skipped the individual,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMsrnormalbeggeklasser.pdf |title=NM Skiskyting 2011 – Normal – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Biathlon 2011 – Individual – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> but came 13th in the sprint and 8th in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMsprintherrer.pdf |title=NM 2011 – Sprint Herrer – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2011 – Sprint Men – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMjaktstartmenn.pdf |title=NM 2011 – Jaktstart Herrer – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) 2011 – Pursuit Men – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In the relay, he again took the first leg and changed in fourth place. Fast skiing and good shooting by his teammates, Andresen, Hennum, and the returning Bjørndalen, meant that the team from Buskerud again won gold, more than two minutes ahead of second place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2010-2011/NMstafettherrer.pdf |title=NM Skiskyting – Stafett – Menn – Resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Biathlon – Relay – Men – List of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

In September 2011, Christiansen competed in the Junior Norwegian Summer Championships in the age group for 20- and 21-year-olds. He came eighth in the sprint but climbed to claim gold in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/nm_rulleski_meraaker_sprint_170911.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting 2011 – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 20–21 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon 2011 – Official list of results – Men 20–21 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/2011-09-18_SommerNM_Jaktstart.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting 2011 – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 20–21 år |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon 2011 – Official list of results – Men 20–21 years old}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In January 2012, Christiansen debuted in the [[Biathlon European Championships 2012|Junior European Championships]] in [[Osrblie|Brezno-Osrblie]]. In the first event, the 10&nbsp;km sprint on 27 January, he missed once but still won gold, just one second ahead of [[Alexander Loginov (biathlon)|Alexandr Loginov]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112SCEUCH__JMSP |title=IBU Open European Championships Biathlon – Brezno-Osrblie (SVK) – Junior Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Two days later, Christiansen won silver in the 12.5&nbsp;km pursuit, 23.5 seconds behind Loginov, despite both having missed twice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112SCEUCH__JMPU |title=IBU Open European Championships Biathlon – Brezno-Osrblie (SVK) – Junior Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The next event was the mixed relay in which Christiansen took the anchor leg. The Norwegians led at the last exchange, and as Christiansen needed only two spare rounds to clear the targets, they won gold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112SCEUCH__MXRL |title=IBU Open European Championships Biathlon – Brezno-Osrblie (SVK) – Mixed 2x6+2x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He also participated in the last event, the 15&nbsp;km individual. He missed twice but still won bronze, thanks to quick ski speed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112SCEUCH__JMIN |title=IBU Open European Championships Biathlon – Brezno-Osrblie (SVK) – Junior Men 15 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Christiansen competed in the [[Biathlon Junior World Championships 2012|Junior/Youth World Championships in 2012]] as well, this time in [[Kontiolahti]], competing in the junior category. The first event was the 15&nbsp;km individual on 21 February. He skied quickly but missed six times and finished 16th.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112JWRLCH__JMIN |title=IBU Youth and Junior World Championships Biathlon – Kontiolahti (FIN) – Junior Men 15 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Two days later, Christiansen raced in the relay, once again taking the anchor leg. The Norwegian team led the race at the last exchange, Christiansen defended their lead, and the Norwegians won gold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112JWRLCH__JMRL |title=IBU Youth and Junior World Championships Biathlon – Kontiolahti (FIN) – Junior Men 4x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The next race, two days later, was the 10&nbsp;km sprint. Christiansen missed twice and finished 13th.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112JWRLCH__JMSP |title=IBU Youth and Junior World Championships Biathlon – Kontiolahti (FIN) – Junior Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Christiansen skied better in the pursuit the following day, where he missed twice but climbed eleven places to win silver just ahead of [[Alexander Loginov (biathlon)|Alexandr Loginov]], and over one minute and forty seconds behind the sprint winner Tsvetkov.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112JWRLCH__JMPU |title=IBU Youth and Junior World Championships Biathlon – Kontiolahti (FIN) – Junior Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In March, Christiansen raced in the Junior Norwegian Championships, winning silver in the individual and gold in the sprint and finishing fourth in the relay.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NMjuniorNormal_090312.pdf |title=NM Jr 2012 Normal / DNB Cup – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 20–21år 15KM |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Jr 2012 Individual / DNB Cup – Official list of results – Men 20-21years old 15KM}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NMjuniorSprint_100312.pdf |title=NM Jr 2012 Sprint / DNB Cup Se – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn 20–21år 10KM |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Jr 2012 Sprint / DNB Cup Se – Official list of results – Men 20-21years old 10KM}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NMjuniorStafettM17-21_110312.pdf |title=NM jr stafett 2012 – Offisiell resultatliste – M17-21 |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) jr relay 2012 – Official list of results – M17-21}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> At the season's end, Christiansen participated in the [[Norwegian Biathlon Championships 2012|Norwegian Championships in Trondheim]]. He came 13th in the 20&nbsp;km individual and 9th in the 10&nbsp;km sprint but skipped the mass start.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NM_kvinnerogmenn_Normal.pdf |title=NM/DNB CUP 7 Normal – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships)/DNB CUP 7 Individual – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NM_SprintMenn.pdf |title=NM/DNB CUP 7 Sprint Menn – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships)/DNB CUP 7 Sprint Men – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NM_lMennFellesstart.pdf |title=NM/DNB CUP 7 Fellesstart Menn – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior (5 * 3 km) |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships)/DNB CUP 7 Mass start Men – Official list of results for Men Senior (5 * 3 km)}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> He then took the anchor leg in the relay. Andresen, Tommi Luchsinger, and [[Erlend Bjøntegaard]] had pulled Buskerud I into fourth position, and Christiansen was the fastest in his leg, pulling them into second, winning silver.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2011-2012/NM_kvinnerogmenn_Stafett.pdf |title=NM Stafett – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn Senior (4 * 7,5 km) |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Relay – Official list of results – Men Senior (4 * 7,5 km)}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

In September 2012, Christiansen competed at the Norwegian Summer Biathlon Championships in [[Holmenkollen National Arena|Holmenkollen]] for the first time in the senior group. He impressed by winning bronze, just 6.8 seconds behind [[Lars Berger]], who won silver and one minute and ten seconds behind Bjørndalen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2012-2013/SprintNMrulleskiskyting.pdf |title=M Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=M Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> Christiansen won another bronze the next day, though the gap to Berger and Bjørndalen had grown to 18 seconds, and two minutes and 49 seconds, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2012-2013/JaktstartNMrulleskiskyting.pdf |title=M Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=M Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In the first round of the [[2012–13 Biathlon World Cup|2012–13 World Cup]], on 1 December 2012, Christiansen made his [[Biathlon World Cup|World Cup]] debut.<ref name="IBUprofile">{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/athletes.aspx?IbuId=BTNOR11205199201 |title=Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The race was the 10&nbsp;km sprint, and he missed twice and finished 27th, 1 minute and 18 seconds behind the winner, the Canadian [[Jean-Philippe Leguellec]], qualifying for the pursuit the following day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1213SWRLCP01SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 1 Biathlon – Oestersund (SWE) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Over the rest of the season, he would race in ten more races breaking three more barriers. First, in [[Hochfilzen]] in his fifth World Cup race and first relay, Christiansen also won his first relay. He raced alongside fellow newcomers [[Lars Helge Birkeland]] and [[Henrik L'Abée-Lund]], both having clocked in less than twenty World Cup races, and the veteran [[Ole Einar Bjørndalen]], who had raced more than 460 World Cup races. Birkeland shot fast and cleanly in the first leg to hand over to Bjørndalen just 9.8 seconds behind, in fourth place. Bjørndalen would require only one spare round, which, combined with his swift shooting and skiing, brought the Norwegians the lead. At the second exchange, Bjørndalen handed over to Christiansen, 6.0 seconds ahead of the Czech Republic. Christiansen skied fast and shot cleanly, and this, combined with mistakes by other teams, increased the lead to 47.0 seconds. L'Abée-Lund took the anchor leg. Also, he shot fast and cleanly, compensating in large part for his skiing speed. The Norwegians won 34.5 seconds ahead of France in second and 46.6 seconds ahead of Russia in third.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1213SWRLCP02SMRL |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 2 Biathlon – Hochfilzen (AUT) – Men 4x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref>

The second barrier Christiansen broke in the World Cup was finishing in the top ten in an individual race. That race was the season's last sprint in [[Khanty-Mansiysk]]. Christiansen shot cleanly and finished tenth, one minute and four seconds behind the winner, [[Martin Fourcade]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1213SWRLCP09SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 9 Biathlon – Khanty-Mansiysk (RUS) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> This result, alongside the 11th-place finish in the pursuit, qualified Christiansen for his first mass start in the World Cup, breaking another barrier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1213SWRLCP09SMPU |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 9 Biathlon – Khanty-Mansiysk (RUS) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1213SWRLCP09SMMS |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 9 Biathlon – Khanty-Mansiysk (RUS) – Men 15 km Mass Start |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The season was thus a remarkable success, with Christiansen mostly finishing in the top 30 individually, and finished 43rd overall in the World Cup.<ref name="IBUprofile"/> The season ended with the [[Norwegian Biathlon Championships 2013|Norwegian Championships in Dombås]]. Christiansen came tenth in the individual, having missed five times, and fifth in the sprint despite having missed four times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2012-2013/NM_senior_og_junior/off_res_NM_normal_20130320.pdf |title=NM normal menn – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) individual men – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2012-2013/NM_senior_og_junior/off_res_NM_sprint_20130322.pdf |title=NM Sprint menn – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Sprint men – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> Christiansen then came fourth in the pursuit, having lost the bronze in a sprint finish with [[Lars Berger]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2012-2013/NM_senior_og_junior/off_res_NM_jaktst_20130323.pdf |title=NM Jaktstart menn – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Pursuit men – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In the relay, he took the anchor leg, lifting the team from Buskerud from sixth to third, winning bronze.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2012-2013/NM_senior_og_junior/off_res_NM_stafett_20130324.pdf |title=NM stafett menn – Dombås – Offisiell resultatliste |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) relay men – Dombås – Official list of results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

On 3 April 2013, Christiansen was selected to the elite team for the first time, being selected alongside [[Ole Einar Bjørndalen]], [[Johannes Thingnes Bø]], [[Tarjei Bø]], fellow newcomer [[Henrik L'Abée-Lund]], and [[Emil Hegle Svendsen]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/NSSFs+landslag+sesongen+2013-2014.b7C_wlbM2b.ips |title=NSSFs landslag sesongen 2013–2014 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NSSFs national team 2013–2014 season}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> At the Norwegian Summer Championships in Mo i Rana, Christiansen won silver in both the sprint and pursuit, behind Svendsen in the sprint and Bjørndalen in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/NM_rulleskiskyting/rulleskinm_lordag.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting 2013 – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon 2013 – Official list of results – Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/NM_rulleskiskyting/rulleskinm_sondag.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting 2013 – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon 2013 – Official list of results – Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In November, Christiansen participated in the traditional qualifying races at [[Sjusjøen]]. Christiansen finished a disappointing 32nd in the 10&nbsp;km sprint, but secured World Cup participation by coming second in the 15&nbsp;km mass start, just 4.9 seconds behind Bjørndalen.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/Sesongstart/Sprintmenn.pdf |title=Biathlon – Menn 10 km sprint – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Biathlon – Men 10 km sprint – Final Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/Sesongstart/Fellesstartmenn.pdf |title=Biathlon – Menn 15 km fellesstart – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Biathlon – Men 15 km mass start – Final Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/Uttak+WC+runde+1%2C+2+og+3%2C+og+IBU-Cup+1.b7C_wlrU2j.ips |title=Uttak WC runde 1, 2 og 3, og IBU-Cup 1 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Selection WC round 1, 2 and 3, and IBU-Cup 1}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> Christiansen helped the Norwegians finish in second place in the opening mixed relay of the season in [[Östersund]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP01MXRL |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Mixed 2x6+2x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In the individual and sprint, he came 16th and 29th, being the best Norwegian in the individual.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP01SMIN |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Men 20 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP01SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In Hochfilzen, he performed badly in the sprint, missing three times and finishing 53rd.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP02SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 2 – Hochfilzen (AUT) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He was nevertheless given the first leg in the relay the next day. He skied fast but needed four spare rounds and changed 31.4 seconds behind the leader. However, Bjørndalen claimed the lead on the second leg, and Tarjei Bø and Svendsen defended that lead, meaning that Christiansen got his second relay victory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP02SMRL |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 2 – Hochfilzen (AUT) – Men 4x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> The following day, Christiansen climbed more than twenty places, finishing 31st.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP02SMPU |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 2 – Hochfilzen (AUT) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He skipped the third round of the World Cup but competed in the fourth round, finishing 15th in the sprint, his best individual finish of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP04SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 4 – Oberhof (GER) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He faltered in the pursuit, however, and finished 35th.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP04SMPU |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 4 – Oberhof (GER) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He was not qualified for the mass start, and his next competition was the relay in [[Ruhpolding]]. However, Johannes Thingnes Bø incurred three penalty loops on the first leg and changed to his brother in 22nd place. Tarjei Bø climbed to 14th, and Christiansen raced a decent leg, climbing to 10th. Svendsen then secured the Norwegians a ninth place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP05SMRL |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 5 – Ruhpolding (GER) – Men 4x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In the following 20&nbsp;km individual, Christiansen shot well but skied rather slowly and finished 56th and decided not to start in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP05SMIN |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 5 – Ruhpolding (GER) – Men 20 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP05SMPU |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 5 – Ruhpolding (GER) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He was nevertheless selected for the Olympic squad, albeit as a reserve for the relay, fulfilling his long-term goal. He did not race in [[Rasen-Antholz|Antholz-Anterselva]], and did not get to race in any races at the Olympics.<ref name="IBUprofile"/> In Pokljuka, in the first World Cup round after the Olympics, Christiansen finished 64th in the 10&nbsp;km sprint and thus did not qualify for the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP07SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 7 – Pokljuka (SLO) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> He was not qualified for the mass start either. He did not race in the next round of the World Cup but returned for the last round of races at Holmenkollen.<ref name="IBUprofile"/> There, he finished 41st in both the sprint and the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP09SMSP |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 9 – Oslo Holmenkollen (NOR) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1314SWRLCP09SMPU |title=E.ON IBU World Cup 9 – Oslo Holmenkollen (NOR) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> To end the season Christiansen participated in the [[Norwegian Biathlon Championships 2014|2014 Norwegian Championships]]. In the 20&nbsp;km individual and the 10&nbsp;km sprint, Christiansen came 7th, winning silver in the 15&nbsp;km mass start.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/Final_results_Men_20km_Individual.pdf |title=Menn 20 km individuell – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Men 20 km individual – Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/Final_Result_Men_10km_Sprint.pdf |title=Menn 10 km sprint – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Men 10 km sprint – Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/Final_Result_Menn_15_km_Mass_Start_Senior.pdf |title=Menn 15 km fellesstart – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Men 10 km mass start – Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In the relay, the Buskerud team suffered in the absence of the ill Bjørndalen and the retired Andresen, and finished sixth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2013-2014/Final_Result_Menn_4x7_5km_Relay.pdf |title=Menn 4 x 7.5 km stafett – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Men 4 x 7.5 km relay – Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

Christiansen was reselected before the [[2014–15 Biathlon World Cup|2014–15 season]], the whole team being reselected.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/Skiskytterlandslagene+sesongen+2014%2F15.b7C_wlLY1E.ips |title=Skiskytterlandslagene sesongen 2014/15 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=National biathlon teams 2014/15 season}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In September, Christiansen competed at the Norwegian Summer Championships in Steinkjer. There, he came sixth in both the sprint and the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2014-2015/resultatlistenmrulleskiskytingsprint2014.PDF |title=NM Rulleskiskyting – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon – Official list of results – Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2014-2015/resultatlistenmrulleskiskytingjaktstart2014.PDF |title=NM Rulleskiskyting – Offisiell resultatliste – Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon – Official list of results – Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> At the season start races at [[Sjusjøen]], Vetle came third in the sprint but came 17th in the mass start.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2014-2015/Sesongstart/Resultatliste_menn_15114.pdf |title=Menn 10 km sprint – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Biathlon – Men 10 km sprint – Final Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2014-2015/Sesongstart/Resultatliste_menn_heata_161114.pdf |title=Menn 15 km fellesstart – Resultater |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Biathlon – Men 15 km mass start – Final Results}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> He was selected for the mixed relay and individual in Östersund, with a chance of getting the last place in the sprint.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/Uttak+WC+1%2C2%2C3+og+IBU+Cup+1.b7C_wtjSZJ.ips |title=Uttak WC 1,2,3 og IBU Cup 1 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Selection WC 1,2,3 and IBU Cup 1}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> In the mixed relay, Christiansen again helped the Norwegians to a second-place finish.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP01MXRL |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Mixed 2x6+2x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In the individual, he finished a disappointing 53rd but was still given the last spot in the sprint due to [[Lars Helge Birkeland]] finishing 84th.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP01SMIN |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Men 20 km Individual |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> In the sprint, Christiansen finished 45th despite missing only once, but he climbed thirty places in the pursuit by being the only one to hit all twenty targets, and finished 15th.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP01SMSP |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP01SMPU |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 1 – Oestersund (SWE) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Christiansen's results in Östersund were below expectations, and he was not selected for the second round of the World Cup.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/Supplerende+uttak+%E2%80%93+World+Cup+runde+2.b7C_wtnO1c.ips |title=Supplerende uttak – World Cup runde 2 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Supplementary selection – World Cup round 2}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> He returned in the last round before the Christmas break and delivered better results by finishing 30th in the sprint and 39th in the pursuit.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP03SMSP |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 3 – Pokljuka (SLO) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP03SMPU |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 3 – Pokljuka (SLO) – Men 12.5 km Pursuit |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> However, he was not selected for the World Cups in Oberhof and Ruhpolding, but after both Tarjei Bø and Emil Hegle Svendsen fell ill, he was needed for the relay and sprint in Oberhof.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/Uttak+World+Cup+4+og+5+og+IBU+Cup+4+og+5.b7C_wtnYXF.ips |title=Uttak World Cup 4 og 5 og IBU Cup 4 og 5 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Selection World Cup 4 and 5 and IBU Cup 4 and 5}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=7 January 2015 |title=Syk Hegle Svendsen står over stafetten |trans-title=Sick Hegle Svendsen skips the relay |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/100Sport/skiskyting/Syk-Hegle-Svendsen-star-over-stafetten-483786_1.snd |language=Norwegian |newspaper=Aftenposten |access-date=3 October 2015}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> He took the first leg in the relay, changing in fourth place. The rest of the team, [[Alexander Os]], Johannes Thingnes Bø, and Ole Einar Bjørndalen, gained the lead, but victory was snatched in a sprint finish with [[Anton Shipulin]], and so the Norwegians finished second.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP04SMRL |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 4 – Oberhof (GER) – Men 4x7.5 km Relay |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Christiansen finished 67th in the sprint and decided to return to Norway for a medical examination, having been feeling tired for some time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1415SWRLCP04SMSP |title=BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 4 – Oberhof (GER) – Men 10 km Sprint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=IBU Datacenter |publisher=International Biathlon Union |access-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> It was revealed that he had been affected in some way by the [[Rhinovirus]], but he remained unable to compete and train properly for the next six months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bentsen |first=Anders Rove |date=25 August 2015 |title=Fanget i et halvt år langt sykdomsmysterium |trans-title=Trapped in a half year long illness mystery |url=http://www.nrk.no/sport/skiskytter-slatt-ut-av-sykdom-i-seks-maneder-1.12507161 |language=Norwegian |publisher=NRK |access-date=3 October 2015}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>

Due to his illness, he left the national biathlon team ahead of the [[2015–16 Biathlon World Cup|2015–16 season]] and joined a private biathlon team called Team Norgesbakeriet. The team was composed of [[Vetle Ravnsborg Gurigard]], [[Kristoffer Langøien Skjelvik]], [[Håkon Svaland]], [[Martin Eng]], [[Tore Leren]] and Christiansen, with [[Knut Tore Berland]] as coach.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.langrenn.com/takker-nei-til-landslaget-velger-privatlag.5793258-1743.html |title=Takker nei til landslaget – Velger privatlag |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=9 September 2015 |website=Langrenn.com |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Refuses the national team – Chooses private team}} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/no/nyheter/Uttak+landslag+2015-2016.b7C_wtDSX7.ips |title=Uttak landslag 2015–2016 |website=Norges Skiskytterforbund |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=Selection national team 2015–2016}} {{in lang|no}}</ref> He did not participate in the 2015 Norwegian Summer Championships.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://skiskyting.no/filestore/Resultater/Resultater_2015-2016/NM_rulleskiskyting/NM_OffisiellresultatlisteforMennSenior.pdf |title=NM Rulleskiskyting 2015 Sprint – Offisiell resultatliste for Menn Senior |publisher=Norwegian Biathlon Association |format=PDF |access-date=3 October 2015 |language=Norwegian |trans-title=NC (Norwegian Championships) Roller biathlon 2015 Sprint – Official list of results for Men Senior}} {{in lang|no}}</ref>