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2012/2013 Winter Sports Thread
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She has a great body and I'm sure if she decide to do porn in the future that would be a big success
Begue Defends Title in Youth Individual
Third Medal for Doherty
France’s Aristide Begue defended his World Championship title in the youth men’s 12.5K individual at the IBU YJWCH today. He had one penalty while finishing 5.6 seconds ahead of the USA’s Sean Doherty, who had three penalties. Third went to Ukraine’s Anton Myhda with one penalty, 40.2 seconds back.
Fourth went to Germany’s Niklas Homberg with three penalties, 1:14.2 back. Fifth place was Rene Zahkna of Estonia with three penalties, 1:22.0 back. Austria’s Fabian Ulmer finished sixth with two penalties, 1:37.8 back.
Gold for Late Coach
The French team competed today wearing armbands with the name Matthieu on it, remembering their late coach Matthieu Rouveix who worked with them during the IBU YJWCH in Kontiolahti last year but died in the summer at only 32 years old. Begue said, “I competed for my late coach Matthieu today and dedicate this Gold medal to him.” Begue started with number 18 and immediately took the lead. One miss during the final standing stage did not concern him. “I am happy that I hit 19; that is a good result.” He had to wait for a long time to see if he really won. “I was happy at the finish because I had a good race. If Sean (Doherty) was faster or not was not so important, there is always next year.”
Focused on Second Half
Doherty won the third medal during his third competition at these championships,with the fastest course time. After the first two shooting stages, he had already accumulated three penalty minutes. He commented, “I thought of nothing, really. The coaches told me that I was doing ok, that I should not give up on the competition. So I focused on the second half of it.” After the fourth shooting bout, he was 18 seconds behind Begue but could not catch the French even with a fast last lap.
Special Atmosphere
Ukraine’s Myhda in third place was a surprise for many. In the sprint, he was only 48th but climbed to 26th place in the pursuit before winning Bronze today, thanks to his solid shooting. He commented on the third place, “I really wanted to repeat the success of the girls,” after Zhuravok and Merkushyna won Silver and Bronze in the morning. For him, these are the first YJWCH and he said, “There is a special atmosphere here” that he liked very much.
After the individual competitions of the juniors on Wednesday, the youth athletes conclude these championships with the relay competitions on Thursday.
Third Medal for Doherty
France’s Aristide Begue defended his World Championship title in the youth men’s 12.5K individual at the IBU YJWCH today. He had one penalty while finishing 5.6 seconds ahead of the USA’s Sean Doherty, who had three penalties. Third went to Ukraine’s Anton Myhda with one penalty, 40.2 seconds back.
Fourth went to Germany’s Niklas Homberg with three penalties, 1:14.2 back. Fifth place was Rene Zahkna of Estonia with three penalties, 1:22.0 back. Austria’s Fabian Ulmer finished sixth with two penalties, 1:37.8 back.
Gold for Late Coach
The French team competed today wearing armbands with the name Matthieu on it, remembering their late coach Matthieu Rouveix who worked with them during the IBU YJWCH in Kontiolahti last year but died in the summer at only 32 years old. Begue said, “I competed for my late coach Matthieu today and dedicate this Gold medal to him.” Begue started with number 18 and immediately took the lead. One miss during the final standing stage did not concern him. “I am happy that I hit 19; that is a good result.” He had to wait for a long time to see if he really won. “I was happy at the finish because I had a good race. If Sean (Doherty) was faster or not was not so important, there is always next year.”
Focused on Second Half
Doherty won the third medal during his third competition at these championships,with the fastest course time. After the first two shooting stages, he had already accumulated three penalty minutes. He commented, “I thought of nothing, really. The coaches told me that I was doing ok, that I should not give up on the competition. So I focused on the second half of it.” After the fourth shooting bout, he was 18 seconds behind Begue but could not catch the French even with a fast last lap.
Special Atmosphere
Ukraine’s Myhda in third place was a surprise for many. In the sprint, he was only 48th but climbed to 26th place in the pursuit before winning Bronze today, thanks to his solid shooting. He commented on the third place, “I really wanted to repeat the success of the girls,” after Zhuravok and Merkushyna won Silver and Bronze in the morning. For him, these are the first YJWCH and he said, “There is a special atmosphere here” that he liked very much.
After the individual competitions of the juniors on Wednesday, the youth athletes conclude these championships with the relay competitions on Thursday.
Second Gold for Dahlmeier
Hauser and Preuss Win Silver and Bronze
Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier won her second Gold medal of these IBU YJWCH by taking the junior women’s 12.5K individual. She had two penalties but was 43.9 seconds faster than Austria’s Lisa Hauser. Hauser beat Preuss in the last loop after both had two penalties, but Preuss was 1:01.6 back in the finish.
Fourth place went to Slovakia‘s Paulina Fialkova with three penalties, 1:36.9 back. She was ahead of Romania’s Orsolya Tofalvi, the only junior woman who shot clean today. She was 3:06.8 back. Sixth place went to Thekla Brun-Lie from Norway with three penalties, 3:34.2 back.
Delegation from Home
Laura Dahlmeier was supported by a special fan group today. “There was a real delegation, my personal coach, the coach of the customs team, some wax techs that are usually there, it was a lot of fun to race today. In general, the team was positioned very well today; there was someone every few meters along the tracks cheering us on.” Dahlmeier received the official nomination for the IBU World Championships in Nove Mesto yesterday, an added bonus, as she explained, is experiencing a highlight of her still young career here, after difficult championships in 2012. “We usually compete nationally. Last year for the YJWCH we thought we were well-prepared but then things did not really work out for the entire team. We of course analyzed this, also the material, and we brought more wax techs here and focused on the championships even more during training.”
Bronze Took Pressure Away
For Hauser, this is also a highlight of the season, although the young Austrian wants to repeat her success at the IBU OECH in a few weeks. However, she still does not know who will be the fourth Austrian woman for the WCH in Nove Mesto. She was visibly happy about her second medal at these home championships. “I think, most of the pressure comes from within yourself. My Bronze took much of the pressure away.” She was the first favorite to hit the tracks and explained, “It was a bit difficult, the individual is focused on shooting and I knew I could shoot well. I think I can be happy with that today. But I also knew that Franzi is very fast on the tracks. She listened to the end of Dahlmeier’s competition through the team radio while being the intermediate leader at the finish. But after Dahlmeier had a lead of over 30 seconds after the final shooting, she knew that her dream of Gold was over.
Goals for Next Year
Preuss was not completely healthy today; she suffered from a flu and cough during the last few days. She lost to Hauser and Dahlmeier on the last lap but did not want to blame that on her lacking health. “I noticed during the last days that I often lose on the last lap, I have to work on that. But that’s not a bad thing, now I have a goal for the next year.” Preuss’ second mistake happened at the final shot, once again, another goal the ambitious German will surely work on. “The shooting mats here are slippery and I slipped during the final shooting so I had to adjust my position. The first shot after that was good and I wanted to keep shooting in my rhythm but once again that last target refused to fall.”
Hauser and Preuss Win Silver and Bronze
Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier won her second Gold medal of these IBU YJWCH by taking the junior women’s 12.5K individual. She had two penalties but was 43.9 seconds faster than Austria’s Lisa Hauser. Hauser beat Preuss in the last loop after both had two penalties, but Preuss was 1:01.6 back in the finish.
Fourth place went to Slovakia‘s Paulina Fialkova with three penalties, 1:36.9 back. She was ahead of Romania’s Orsolya Tofalvi, the only junior woman who shot clean today. She was 3:06.8 back. Sixth place went to Thekla Brun-Lie from Norway with three penalties, 3:34.2 back.
Delegation from Home
Laura Dahlmeier was supported by a special fan group today. “There was a real delegation, my personal coach, the coach of the customs team, some wax techs that are usually there, it was a lot of fun to race today. In general, the team was positioned very well today; there was someone every few meters along the tracks cheering us on.” Dahlmeier received the official nomination for the IBU World Championships in Nove Mesto yesterday, an added bonus, as she explained, is experiencing a highlight of her still young career here, after difficult championships in 2012. “We usually compete nationally. Last year for the YJWCH we thought we were well-prepared but then things did not really work out for the entire team. We of course analyzed this, also the material, and we brought more wax techs here and focused on the championships even more during training.”
Bronze Took Pressure Away
For Hauser, this is also a highlight of the season, although the young Austrian wants to repeat her success at the IBU OECH in a few weeks. However, she still does not know who will be the fourth Austrian woman for the WCH in Nove Mesto. She was visibly happy about her second medal at these home championships. “I think, most of the pressure comes from within yourself. My Bronze took much of the pressure away.” She was the first favorite to hit the tracks and explained, “It was a bit difficult, the individual is focused on shooting and I knew I could shoot well. I think I can be happy with that today. But I also knew that Franzi is very fast on the tracks. She listened to the end of Dahlmeier’s competition through the team radio while being the intermediate leader at the finish. But after Dahlmeier had a lead of over 30 seconds after the final shooting, she knew that her dream of Gold was over.
Goals for Next Year
Preuss was not completely healthy today; she suffered from a flu and cough during the last few days. She lost to Hauser and Dahlmeier on the last lap but did not want to blame that on her lacking health. “I noticed during the last days that I often lose on the last lap, I have to work on that. But that’s not a bad thing, now I have a goal for the next year.” Preuss’ second mistake happened at the final shot, once again, another goal the ambitious German will surely work on. “The shooting mats here are slippery and I slipped during the final shooting so I had to adjust my position. The first shot after that was good and I wanted to keep shooting in my rhythm but once again that last target refused to fall.”
Loginov Wins Individual Gold
Silver Surprise for Croatia
Russia’s Alexandr Loginov secured Gold in the junior men’s 15K individual with two penalties today in Obertilliach. Second place surprisingly went to Croatia’s Dino Butkovic with one penalty, 50.9 seconds back. Third was France’s Clement Dumont with one penalty, 56 seconds back.
Fourth went to Norway’s Vegard Gjermundshaug with two penalties, 1:16.7 back. Germany’s Korbinian Raschke finished in fifth place with two penalties, 1:25.4 back. The top six were rounded out by Ruslan Tkalenko from Ukraine with two penalties, 1:33.9 back.
Energy at the End
As usual in the individual, the winner focused on shooting. Loginov commented, “Most important today was the shooting. During the first two shootings I did not find my rhythm, and then it got better. My tactic for today was to start slow and save energy. I was not fast at the beginning because I wanted to have enough energy to catch up after the fourth shooting.” Loginov now has two Golds and a Silver medal. It can be expected that he will soon start in other international competitions.
Nervous
Butkovic, who comes from a village near Jakov Fak’s birthplace, did not even make it to the top ten in an international competition before. He shot clean in the first three stages when he came to the final standing stage and was shown in second position on the standings. He was behind Johannes Boe who had already missed three targets during the final standing stage and dropped out of medal contention. Butkovic said, “I was very nervous, I was second after the third shooting and knew that if I miss 1 or 2 I would lose the podium. Then after the second shot I missed one. I focused on the last two shots and managed to have only 1 mistake. On the tracks I was going for 2nd place and gave everything I had.”
Focused on Shooting
Third place went to Dumont. He missed once during the first shooting and thus stayed out of the focus of the audience in the stadium for a long time. About his penalty he said, “The only mistake today during the first shooting was not so important because I still had three more shootings when I could shoot perfect. The shape on the skis was good and so I focused only on the shooting to hit 19 targets.”
The junior men’s relay promises to be exciting on Friday with Russia, Norway, Germany and France underlining their claim to the title with solid performances all week. But especially relays have their own spirit where virtually everything is possible.
Silver Surprise for Croatia
Russia’s Alexandr Loginov secured Gold in the junior men’s 15K individual with two penalties today in Obertilliach. Second place surprisingly went to Croatia’s Dino Butkovic with one penalty, 50.9 seconds back. Third was France’s Clement Dumont with one penalty, 56 seconds back.
Fourth went to Norway’s Vegard Gjermundshaug with two penalties, 1:16.7 back. Germany’s Korbinian Raschke finished in fifth place with two penalties, 1:25.4 back. The top six were rounded out by Ruslan Tkalenko from Ukraine with two penalties, 1:33.9 back.
Energy at the End
As usual in the individual, the winner focused on shooting. Loginov commented, “Most important today was the shooting. During the first two shootings I did not find my rhythm, and then it got better. My tactic for today was to start slow and save energy. I was not fast at the beginning because I wanted to have enough energy to catch up after the fourth shooting.” Loginov now has two Golds and a Silver medal. It can be expected that he will soon start in other international competitions.
Nervous
Butkovic, who comes from a village near Jakov Fak’s birthplace, did not even make it to the top ten in an international competition before. He shot clean in the first three stages when he came to the final standing stage and was shown in second position on the standings. He was behind Johannes Boe who had already missed three targets during the final standing stage and dropped out of medal contention. Butkovic said, “I was very nervous, I was second after the third shooting and knew that if I miss 1 or 2 I would lose the podium. Then after the second shot I missed one. I focused on the last two shots and managed to have only 1 mistake. On the tracks I was going for 2nd place and gave everything I had.”
Focused on Shooting
Third place went to Dumont. He missed once during the first shooting and thus stayed out of the focus of the audience in the stadium for a long time. About his penalty he said, “The only mistake today during the first shooting was not so important because I still had three more shootings when I could shoot perfect. The shape on the skis was good and so I focused only on the shooting to hit 19 targets.”
The junior men’s relay promises to be exciting on Friday with Russia, Norway, Germany and France underlining their claim to the title with solid performances all week. But especially relays have their own spirit where virtually everything is possible.
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Eberhard Brothers One-Two in Idre Sprint
Victor Vasilyev Third; Favorites Disappoint
Austrians Julian and Tobias Eberhard went one-two at the first men’s 10K sprint at the IBU Cup in Idre. While Julian started as third, Tobias went into the competition with bib nr 130. They both had single penalties, but secured their podium spots with a fast final lap. Clean-shooting Russian Victor Vasilyev finished third.
Qualification and Excitement
Prior to this first IBU Cup competition here, no one knew exactly what to expect in the way of performance. Some men were fighting to qualify for the E.ON IBU World Cup in Östersund, including the Swiss, Canadians and Chinese. Others wanted to secure Nations Cup points in order to have a spot in the World Cup next season while yet others wanted to start well so move up to their nation’s World Cup team soon.
Brothers on Top
Even though there were several athletes from the World Cup towing the start line, everyone knows a bit better now where they stand. Two Austrian brothers had the widest smile at the finish while many of the favorites from Russia, Germany or Norway surely want to improve.
Perfect Day
“I was very satisfied with my competition already, but the second place finish of my brother makes this a perfect day,” Julian Eberhard commented at the Flower Ceremony. He covered the 10K course in 25:07.3 with his brother just 23.9 seconds slower. Tobias said, “He is my favorite winner.” The two Austrians have never been on the podium together in an international competition. Although one started at the beginning of the competition and the other at the end, Julian commented. “My brother told me that he had fair conditions and I am really happy that I won a competition with fair conditions for everyone.”
Good Start
Third place went to Vasilyev of Russia, 30.2 seconds back despite his clean shooting. At the finish he commented, “That was a good start into the new season and I am happy about my good shooting. I am not in optimal shape yet but hope to improve steadily.”
All three athletes on the podium will not start at the E.ON IBU World Cup in Östersund with Julian and Tobias dreaming of a start at their home World Cup in Hochfilzen. Vasilyev on the other hand said, “It is too early to talk about the World Cup. We will see after the first three events.”
Fourth place went to Christian Martinelli of Italy who also shot clean but finished 34.8 seconds back. Canada’s Scott Gow finished fifth with one penalty, 39.6 seconds back. Olexander Bilanenko of Ukraine also shot clean in sixth place, 45 seconds back.
Victor Vasilyev Third; Favorites Disappoint
Austrians Julian and Tobias Eberhard went one-two at the first men’s 10K sprint at the IBU Cup in Idre. While Julian started as third, Tobias went into the competition with bib nr 130. They both had single penalties, but secured their podium spots with a fast final lap. Clean-shooting Russian Victor Vasilyev finished third.
Qualification and Excitement
Prior to this first IBU Cup competition here, no one knew exactly what to expect in the way of performance. Some men were fighting to qualify for the E.ON IBU World Cup in Östersund, including the Swiss, Canadians and Chinese. Others wanted to secure Nations Cup points in order to have a spot in the World Cup next season while yet others wanted to start well so move up to their nation’s World Cup team soon.
Brothers on Top
Even though there were several athletes from the World Cup towing the start line, everyone knows a bit better now where they stand. Two Austrian brothers had the widest smile at the finish while many of the favorites from Russia, Germany or Norway surely want to improve.
Perfect Day
“I was very satisfied with my competition already, but the second place finish of my brother makes this a perfect day,” Julian Eberhard commented at the Flower Ceremony. He covered the 10K course in 25:07.3 with his brother just 23.9 seconds slower. Tobias said, “He is my favorite winner.” The two Austrians have never been on the podium together in an international competition. Although one started at the beginning of the competition and the other at the end, Julian commented. “My brother told me that he had fair conditions and I am really happy that I won a competition with fair conditions for everyone.”
Good Start
Third place went to Vasilyev of Russia, 30.2 seconds back despite his clean shooting. At the finish he commented, “That was a good start into the new season and I am happy about my good shooting. I am not in optimal shape yet but hope to improve steadily.”
All three athletes on the podium will not start at the E.ON IBU World Cup in Östersund with Julian and Tobias dreaming of a start at their home World Cup in Hochfilzen. Vasilyev on the other hand said, “It is too early to talk about the World Cup. We will see after the first three events.”
Fourth place went to Christian Martinelli of Italy who also shot clean but finished 34.8 seconds back. Canada’s Scott Gow finished fifth with one penalty, 39.6 seconds back. Olexander Bilanenko of Ukraine also shot clean in sixth place, 45 seconds back.
Hilde Fenne Outshines the Stars
Two Podium Spots for Norway; Poland in Between
The first women’s 7.5K sprint competition of the new season was extremely successful for Norway. Four of their athletes made it into the top six with the youngest one topping the podium. 19-year-old Hilde Fenne, with one penalty, won in 22:36.1, ahead of experienced athletes like Valj Semerenko and Ekaterina Yurlova. Only 2.1 seconds slower was Poland’s Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak with two penalties. Third place also went to Norway with clean-shooting Thekla Brun-Lie finishing 10.1 seconds back.
World Cup Qualification
The young winner who also won the title of Sprint Youth World Champion in February was beaming at the finish. She trained with the Norwegian national team over the summer and will go from Idre to Östersund to start in the E.ON IBU World Cup. Still, she was concerned before the competition today that she would not make the qualification for the World Cup according to the IBU Rules, which say that an athlete has to be within 15 % of the average time of the first three athletes at the IBU Cup. Fenne commented at the finish, “I had a lot of fun today and I think that I got a little bit better this summer compared to last year. It feels somewhat surreal to go to the World Cup now.”
Best Season of Her Career?
Second-place finisher Nowakowska-Ziemniak will also go to Östersund but only after the second sprint in Idre tomorrow. “I am surprised by this result today because usually I am not so good yet at the beginning of the season. But who knows, maybe this will be the best season of my career? My coach thinks that I need a few more competitions as a hard training and that’s why I will compete here and then start in Östersund on Wednesday.”
Youth and Junior World Championships
The second Norwegian on the podium, Thekla Brun-Lie, is also still a junior and explained, “This is great, I did not expect this. It feels great to beat all these big athletes.” Brun-Lie will not go to the World Cup just yet; she will stay in the IBU Cup for now since her main goal for the season is the IBU Youth and Junior World Championships at Obertilliach in late January.
Fourth place went to Bente Landheim of Norway with one penalty, 17.9 seconds back. Jitka Landova of the Czech Republic finished fifth with one penalty, 22.5 seconds back. Jori Moerkve, the Norwegian who spends most of her summers in Italy, finished sixth, 25.1 seconds back.
Sachenbacher-Stehle
This women’s sprint competition also marked the international start of the biathlon career of Olympic cross country champion Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle from Germany. Despite four mistakes in prone, which Germany’s national coach Uwe Müssiggang attributed to nerves, she shot clean in standing and finished 24th, 1:33.4 back. While this result fulfills the qualification criteria for the World Cup, Sachenbacher-Stehle will continue in the IBU Cup for now to gain more competition experience.
Two Podium Spots for Norway; Poland in Between
The first women’s 7.5K sprint competition of the new season was extremely successful for Norway. Four of their athletes made it into the top six with the youngest one topping the podium. 19-year-old Hilde Fenne, with one penalty, won in 22:36.1, ahead of experienced athletes like Valj Semerenko and Ekaterina Yurlova. Only 2.1 seconds slower was Poland’s Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak with two penalties. Third place also went to Norway with clean-shooting Thekla Brun-Lie finishing 10.1 seconds back.
World Cup Qualification
The young winner who also won the title of Sprint Youth World Champion in February was beaming at the finish. She trained with the Norwegian national team over the summer and will go from Idre to Östersund to start in the E.ON IBU World Cup. Still, she was concerned before the competition today that she would not make the qualification for the World Cup according to the IBU Rules, which say that an athlete has to be within 15 % of the average time of the first three athletes at the IBU Cup. Fenne commented at the finish, “I had a lot of fun today and I think that I got a little bit better this summer compared to last year. It feels somewhat surreal to go to the World Cup now.”
Best Season of Her Career?
Second-place finisher Nowakowska-Ziemniak will also go to Östersund but only after the second sprint in Idre tomorrow. “I am surprised by this result today because usually I am not so good yet at the beginning of the season. But who knows, maybe this will be the best season of my career? My coach thinks that I need a few more competitions as a hard training and that’s why I will compete here and then start in Östersund on Wednesday.”
Youth and Junior World Championships
The second Norwegian on the podium, Thekla Brun-Lie, is also still a junior and explained, “This is great, I did not expect this. It feels great to beat all these big athletes.” Brun-Lie will not go to the World Cup just yet; she will stay in the IBU Cup for now since her main goal for the season is the IBU Youth and Junior World Championships at Obertilliach in late January.
Fourth place went to Bente Landheim of Norway with one penalty, 17.9 seconds back. Jitka Landova of the Czech Republic finished fifth with one penalty, 22.5 seconds back. Jori Moerkve, the Norwegian who spends most of her summers in Italy, finished sixth, 25.1 seconds back.
Sachenbacher-Stehle
This women’s sprint competition also marked the international start of the biathlon career of Olympic cross country champion Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle from Germany. Despite four mistakes in prone, which Germany’s national coach Uwe Müssiggang attributed to nerves, she shot clean in standing and finished 24th, 1:33.4 back. While this result fulfills the qualification criteria for the World Cup, Sachenbacher-Stehle will continue in the IBU Cup for now to gain more competition experience.
Julian Eberhard: Two-for-Two
Lapshin and Böckli: Second and Third
Three penalty loops did not stop Austria’s Julian Eberhard from winning his second 10K sprint in as many days at the IBU Cup in Idre. His 23:24.8 winning time put him 14.2 seconds ahead of Russia’s Timofey Lapshin Third place went to Claudio Böckli of Switzerland who matched Lapshin with a single penalty, but was 19.2 seconds back.
Secret of the Last Lap
Just as on Saturday Eberhard won because of his fabulous last lap. He left the stadium after the standing stage in sixth position, 17.8 seconds behind Lapshin. However, by the finish he was 14.2 seconds faster than the Russian. When asked how he finished so fast, he replied with a big grin, “Of course I can’t tell you because it’s a secret. We train for this and it has worked out very well.” Since the temperatures dropped below freezing over night, the tracks were hard and fast. Eberhard commented, “A big thank you to the organizers here, they managed to prepare the tracks with fair and good conditions for everyone, despite the really dismal circumstances.”
If or when Eberhard will start at the World Cup was still up in the air at the end of the competition. Shortly after the competition he had not yet had time to talk to Austria’s new National Team Coach Remo Krug. “I have been busy up till now, but I am sure we will talk later.”
Start in the World Cup
While second place finisher Timofey Lapshin will also not go to the World Cup, however third place finisher Claudio Böckli will go to Östersund instead of Beitostoelen now. Coach Markus Segessemann commented, “When they make it onto the podium here, they usually earn a spot in the World Cup.” Böckli had a good feeling early in the morning today. “I felt great when I got up, the weather is great, the tracks are good, and today is just a great day.”
Favorites: Norway, Russia, Germany and Austria
After somewhat disappointing results on Saturday, the men’s teams from Germany and Norway are probably a lot happier today. Norway’s Erling Aalvik finished fourth, 20.2 seconds back and with clean shooting. Fourth place went to Daniel Böhm of Germany with one penalty, 23 seconds back. Ukraine’s Oleg Berezhnoy finished sixth. When looking further down in the result list, the “natural favorites” from Germany, Norway and Russia reestablished their claim as favorites this season. Yet there is one more team in the mix: after two victories, yesterday’s second place by Tobias Eberhard and today’s 8th place by Michael Reiter, Austria is slowly becoming a fourth powerhouse to watch out for.
Lapshin and Böckli: Second and Third
Three penalty loops did not stop Austria’s Julian Eberhard from winning his second 10K sprint in as many days at the IBU Cup in Idre. His 23:24.8 winning time put him 14.2 seconds ahead of Russia’s Timofey Lapshin Third place went to Claudio Böckli of Switzerland who matched Lapshin with a single penalty, but was 19.2 seconds back.
Secret of the Last Lap
Just as on Saturday Eberhard won because of his fabulous last lap. He left the stadium after the standing stage in sixth position, 17.8 seconds behind Lapshin. However, by the finish he was 14.2 seconds faster than the Russian. When asked how he finished so fast, he replied with a big grin, “Of course I can’t tell you because it’s a secret. We train for this and it has worked out very well.” Since the temperatures dropped below freezing over night, the tracks were hard and fast. Eberhard commented, “A big thank you to the organizers here, they managed to prepare the tracks with fair and good conditions for everyone, despite the really dismal circumstances.”
If or when Eberhard will start at the World Cup was still up in the air at the end of the competition. Shortly after the competition he had not yet had time to talk to Austria’s new National Team Coach Remo Krug. “I have been busy up till now, but I am sure we will talk later.”
Start in the World Cup
While second place finisher Timofey Lapshin will also not go to the World Cup, however third place finisher Claudio Böckli will go to Östersund instead of Beitostoelen now. Coach Markus Segessemann commented, “When they make it onto the podium here, they usually earn a spot in the World Cup.” Böckli had a good feeling early in the morning today. “I felt great when I got up, the weather is great, the tracks are good, and today is just a great day.”
Favorites: Norway, Russia, Germany and Austria
After somewhat disappointing results on Saturday, the men’s teams from Germany and Norway are probably a lot happier today. Norway’s Erling Aalvik finished fourth, 20.2 seconds back and with clean shooting. Fourth place went to Daniel Böhm of Germany with one penalty, 23 seconds back. Ukraine’s Oleg Berezhnoy finished sixth. When looking further down in the result list, the “natural favorites” from Germany, Norway and Russia reestablished their claim as favorites this season. Yet there is one more team in the mix: after two victories, yesterday’s second place by Tobias Eberhard and today’s 8th place by Michael Reiter, Austria is slowly becoming a fourth powerhouse to watch out for.
Landheim Tops Tofalvi and Brun-Lie
Strong Norwegian Performance
Bente Landheim of Norway won the second women’s 7.5K sprint at the IBU Cup at Idre in 22:23.0. Romanian veteran Eva Tofalvi finished 20.4 seconds back in second place, ahead of Landheim’s teammate Thekla Brun-Lie, who was 31.5 seconds back. All three women shot clean today.
Strong Norwegians
The Norwegian women showed impressive strength this weekend. With Jori Moerkve in fifth place, also flawless at the range; they had three women in the top six. Poland’s Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak, who was second yesterday, finished in fourth place, despite three penalties. Sixth place went to Iana Romanova of Russia with one penalty.
Hopefully Hochfilzen
Landheim explained in the finish, “It was not easy today, especially the last lap. But I think my shape got a bit better compared to yesterday. I hope that I can start in the World Cup again very soon, hopefully in Hochfilzen.” Last season, the young Norwegian was part of the World Cup team for the entire season but at the moment her shape is not yet good enough.
Nervous Before World Cup
Tofalvi, in second place was satisfied. “I am still slow on the tracks but it’s the beginning of the season. I am always somewhat nervous before the first World Cup, despite the second place here. But the World Cup is something different.” She went on and explained that her focus this year was on the IBU World Championships in Nove Mesto Na Morave.
Everything Went Smoothly
Norway’s Thekla Brun-Lie did not expect to be on the podium yesterday and even less so today. Especially two days of flawless shooting made her and her coaches beam with happiness. “Today was great, everything simply went very smoothly,” she said in the finish area. The young Norwegian will now move on to IBU Cup 2 in Beitostölen.
Strong Norwegian Performance
Bente Landheim of Norway won the second women’s 7.5K sprint at the IBU Cup at Idre in 22:23.0. Romanian veteran Eva Tofalvi finished 20.4 seconds back in second place, ahead of Landheim’s teammate Thekla Brun-Lie, who was 31.5 seconds back. All three women shot clean today.
Strong Norwegians
The Norwegian women showed impressive strength this weekend. With Jori Moerkve in fifth place, also flawless at the range; they had three women in the top six. Poland’s Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak, who was second yesterday, finished in fourth place, despite three penalties. Sixth place went to Iana Romanova of Russia with one penalty.
Hopefully Hochfilzen
Landheim explained in the finish, “It was not easy today, especially the last lap. But I think my shape got a bit better compared to yesterday. I hope that I can start in the World Cup again very soon, hopefully in Hochfilzen.” Last season, the young Norwegian was part of the World Cup team for the entire season but at the moment her shape is not yet good enough.
Nervous Before World Cup
Tofalvi, in second place was satisfied. “I am still slow on the tracks but it’s the beginning of the season. I am always somewhat nervous before the first World Cup, despite the second place here. But the World Cup is something different.” She went on and explained that her focus this year was on the IBU World Championships in Nove Mesto Na Morave.
Everything Went Smoothly
Norway’s Thekla Brun-Lie did not expect to be on the podium yesterday and even less so today. Especially two days of flawless shooting made her and her coaches beam with happiness. “Today was great, everything simply went very smoothly,” she said in the finish area. The young Norwegian will now move on to IBU Cup 2 in Beitostölen.
Flatland Wins 15K after Baby Break
Strong Russian Performances
Just in time for the first competition of IBU Cup 2 in Beitostolen, Norway, light flurries stopped and the sun broke through the clouds. With that came a drop in temperatures, handled best by Norway’s Ann Kristin Aafedt Flatland who shot clean and won the women’s 15K individual in 49:50
Flatland, Zagoruiko, Kuznetsova
Flatland, in her first international competition after her baby break, kept the winning streak of the Norwegian women intact as they have won every IBU Cup competition this season. Flatland, who gave birth to her first child last spring, was followed by two Russians with Anastasia Zagoruiko claiming second place ahead of Larisa Kuznetsova. Both Russians had one penalty today.
Shooting at 100%
Flatland explained that she had trained normally since August but was hampered in her training due to sickness in October. “My race today was perfect…I am back at 100% at the shooting range, it seems. But I have to train more to be back at the level where I want to be.” In January or February she hopes to return to the World Cup circuit. “I have not even thought about the World Championships, first I have to train some more” she commented.
Hot
Zagoruiko in second place smiled. Despite one extra minute she was only 46.8 seconds behind Flatland at the finish and explained, “I like this competition, I felt good and it was easy.” The cold temperatures were not a problem for her. “The course here is pretty difficult; when you run you get pretty hot here.”
Four Russians in Top 6
The Russian women had a good day in general. Behind Zagoruiko finished Larisa Kuznetsova in third place, 1:18.8 back. Kuznetsova was in the lead initially but dropped back after the first standing stage where she, like Zagoruiko, missed one target.
They also claimed spots five and six today with Anna Boulygina in fifth with two mistakes, 2:24.4 back. Valentina Nazarova finished 2:46.1 back with three penalties. The only one between the Russians was the young French athlete Anais Chevalier in fourth place. Chevalier shot clean but was 1:56.8 slower than Flatland.
Strong Russian Performances
Just in time for the first competition of IBU Cup 2 in Beitostolen, Norway, light flurries stopped and the sun broke through the clouds. With that came a drop in temperatures, handled best by Norway’s Ann Kristin Aafedt Flatland who shot clean and won the women’s 15K individual in 49:50
Flatland, Zagoruiko, Kuznetsova
Flatland, in her first international competition after her baby break, kept the winning streak of the Norwegian women intact as they have won every IBU Cup competition this season. Flatland, who gave birth to her first child last spring, was followed by two Russians with Anastasia Zagoruiko claiming second place ahead of Larisa Kuznetsova. Both Russians had one penalty today.
Shooting at 100%
Flatland explained that she had trained normally since August but was hampered in her training due to sickness in October. “My race today was perfect…I am back at 100% at the shooting range, it seems. But I have to train more to be back at the level where I want to be.” In January or February she hopes to return to the World Cup circuit. “I have not even thought about the World Championships, first I have to train some more” she commented.
Hot
Zagoruiko in second place smiled. Despite one extra minute she was only 46.8 seconds behind Flatland at the finish and explained, “I like this competition, I felt good and it was easy.” The cold temperatures were not a problem for her. “The course here is pretty difficult; when you run you get pretty hot here.”
Four Russians in Top 6
The Russian women had a good day in general. Behind Zagoruiko finished Larisa Kuznetsova in third place, 1:18.8 back. Kuznetsova was in the lead initially but dropped back after the first standing stage where she, like Zagoruiko, missed one target.
They also claimed spots five and six today with Anna Boulygina in fifth with two mistakes, 2:24.4 back. Valentina Nazarova finished 2:46.1 back with three penalties. The only one between the Russians was the young French athlete Anais Chevalier in fourth place. Chevalier shot clean but was 1:56.8 slower than Flatland.
Tcherezov Takes 20K
Successful Day for Russians at IBU Cup
Ivan Tcherezov of Russia won the men’s 20K individual at IBU Cup 2 in Beitostolen. His victory was the highlight of a successful day for the Russian biathlon team. They again had two athletes on the podium alongside a Norwegian, just as in the women’s 15K earlier in the day. While Ann Kristin Aafedt Flatland won in the morning, Alexander Os finished in second place, ahead of Timofey Lapshin.
Tcherezov, like Os and Lapshin, made one penalty while finishing in 55:23.9. Os was only 2.1 seconds slower over the 20K distance. Lapshin was 21.9 seconds back, a mere 1.9 seconds ahead of the France’s surprising Quentin Fillon Maillet, who shot clean. Fifth place went to Tobias Eberhard from Austria with two penalties, 35 seconds back. Florent Claude of France finished sixth with one penalty, 41.3 seconds back.
First Victory since Injury
After his severe rollerskiing accident in September 2011, Tcherezov has worked hard to get back to biathlon’s top league. At the IBU Cup final in Altenberg last season he finished fifth in the pursuit but today marks his first victory in an international competition since the accident. Smiling, he commented, “I tried to focus on the shooting today, and it worked!”
Second Place, Yet Still a Great Leap
Second went to Norway’s Alexander Os who is also fighting his way back to the top after being hampered by illness during the last years. On the last lap, he caught up closed in on Tcherezov’s time but could not quite catch the Russian. Knowing how close he was, Os commented at the finish, “Of course when you’re only 2 seconds behind, it feels like you lost right when you come to the finish. But I am still really happy because this is a huge leap for me from where I was even at the national season opening two weeks ago. After I was ill for several years it is really good to see that Iam slowly catching up to the top again.”
Psychology
Third place went to Timofey Lapshin who already proved his fitness with a second place in the sprint last weekend. He saw the surprisingly strong French Fillon Maillet come to the finish and cheered when he realized that he would not lose his podium spot. “Today was a good competition, the tracks are hard and it is cold but it went really well, except during the last shooting. The miss was probably due to psychology.” Although he lost the victory in the final standing stage, he was happy to, at least keep the spot on the podium.
Successful Day for Russians at IBU Cup
Ivan Tcherezov of Russia won the men’s 20K individual at IBU Cup 2 in Beitostolen. His victory was the highlight of a successful day for the Russian biathlon team. They again had two athletes on the podium alongside a Norwegian, just as in the women’s 15K earlier in the day. While Ann Kristin Aafedt Flatland won in the morning, Alexander Os finished in second place, ahead of Timofey Lapshin.
Tcherezov, like Os and Lapshin, made one penalty while finishing in 55:23.9. Os was only 2.1 seconds slower over the 20K distance. Lapshin was 21.9 seconds back, a mere 1.9 seconds ahead of the France’s surprising Quentin Fillon Maillet, who shot clean. Fifth place went to Tobias Eberhard from Austria with two penalties, 35 seconds back. Florent Claude of France finished sixth with one penalty, 41.3 seconds back.
First Victory since Injury
After his severe rollerskiing accident in September 2011, Tcherezov has worked hard to get back to biathlon’s top league. At the IBU Cup final in Altenberg last season he finished fifth in the pursuit but today marks his first victory in an international competition since the accident. Smiling, he commented, “I tried to focus on the shooting today, and it worked!”
Second Place, Yet Still a Great Leap
Second went to Norway’s Alexander Os who is also fighting his way back to the top after being hampered by illness during the last years. On the last lap, he caught up closed in on Tcherezov’s time but could not quite catch the Russian. Knowing how close he was, Os commented at the finish, “Of course when you’re only 2 seconds behind, it feels like you lost right when you come to the finish. But I am still really happy because this is a huge leap for me from where I was even at the national season opening two weeks ago. After I was ill for several years it is really good to see that Iam slowly catching up to the top again.”
Psychology
Third place went to Timofey Lapshin who already proved his fitness with a second place in the sprint last weekend. He saw the surprisingly strong French Fillon Maillet come to the finish and cheered when he realized that he would not lose his podium spot. “Today was a good competition, the tracks are hard and it is cold but it went really well, except during the last shooting. The miss was probably due to psychology.” Although he lost the victory in the final standing stage, he was happy to, at least keep the spot on the podium.
Flatland Doubles Up with Sprint Victory
Russia: Another Solid Team Performance
Ann Kristin Aafedt Flatland made it two-for-two by taking the women’s 7.5K sprint this morning at the IBU Cup in Beitostolen. Just as in yesterday’s 15K individual victory, Flatland shot clean, while covering the tracks in 22:04. Russia’s Larisa Kuznetsova, matched Flatland at the shooting range but finished 14.5 seconds behind the Norwegian. Third place went to Kuznetsova’s teammate Anastasia Zagoruiko with one penalty, 29.7 seconds back.
The Russian women once again delivered a solid team performance by claiming fourth and fifth places. Fourth went to Iana Romanova with clean shooting, 46.5 seconds back, followed by Anna Boulygina with two penalties, 1:02.9 back. Norway’s Bente Landheim rounded out the top 6 with one penalty, 1:04.8 back.
Coat Rack
After the women’s 15K yesterday, Flatland explained that her shooting was back, but she needed more training to have her running back at the level where she wanted it. Today, she explained, “In the sprint you can go faster right from the start. I felt I had more power today. I also like the sprint better than the individual.” With two victories under her belt, she had agreed with the Organizing Committee on a “special prize”: an old coat rack from the competition office was awarded to her. She explained: “During the last year I rebuilt my home and I still need a few things to decorate it. I want to paint the coat rack white and then it will greet my visitors.”
Thanks to Team
Second place went to Kuznetsova, who finished third in the individual. She commented, “Today was easier than yesterday, probably because it was shorter. Only the weather was worse because it was colder.” Still, she was happy with her performance and explicitly thanked the team around her for their hard work that enabled their great performance.
Hot
Zagoruiko finished on the podium again after being second in the individual. She already commented yesterday that she could not feel the cold during the competition, adding today, “I felt good during the competition today. My running was good and it was hot.” About a possible switch to the World Cup she said, “We don’t talk about this with Wolfgang Pichler but maybe I can start there soon.”
Russia: Another Solid Team Performance
Ann Kristin Aafedt Flatland made it two-for-two by taking the women’s 7.5K sprint this morning at the IBU Cup in Beitostolen. Just as in yesterday’s 15K individual victory, Flatland shot clean, while covering the tracks in 22:04. Russia’s Larisa Kuznetsova, matched Flatland at the shooting range but finished 14.5 seconds behind the Norwegian. Third place went to Kuznetsova’s teammate Anastasia Zagoruiko with one penalty, 29.7 seconds back.
The Russian women once again delivered a solid team performance by claiming fourth and fifth places. Fourth went to Iana Romanova with clean shooting, 46.5 seconds back, followed by Anna Boulygina with two penalties, 1:02.9 back. Norway’s Bente Landheim rounded out the top 6 with one penalty, 1:04.8 back.
Coat Rack
After the women’s 15K yesterday, Flatland explained that her shooting was back, but she needed more training to have her running back at the level where she wanted it. Today, she explained, “In the sprint you can go faster right from the start. I felt I had more power today. I also like the sprint better than the individual.” With two victories under her belt, she had agreed with the Organizing Committee on a “special prize”: an old coat rack from the competition office was awarded to her. She explained: “During the last year I rebuilt my home and I still need a few things to decorate it. I want to paint the coat rack white and then it will greet my visitors.”
Thanks to Team
Second place went to Kuznetsova, who finished third in the individual. She commented, “Today was easier than yesterday, probably because it was shorter. Only the weather was worse because it was colder.” Still, she was happy with her performance and explicitly thanked the team around her for their hard work that enabled their great performance.
Hot
Zagoruiko finished on the podium again after being second in the individual. She already commented yesterday that she could not feel the cold during the competition, adding today, “I felt good during the competition today. My running was good and it was hot.” About a possible switch to the World Cup she said, “We don’t talk about this with Wolfgang Pichler but maybe I can start there soon.”
Third Sprint, Third Victory for Eberhard
Slepov Second, Os Third
For the third time in the third sprint of the IBU Cup season, nobody was able to beat Julian Eberhard of Austria. He won the men’s 10k sprint, with one penalty at IBU Cup 2 today in 26:06.3. Second place went to the surprisingly strong Russian Alexey Slepov with also one penalty, 13.6 seconds back. Third place went to Norway’s Alexander Os who matched the others at the shooting range but was 23.7 seconds slower.
Fourth place went to the only man in the top six who shot clean; Florent Claude of France finished 23.8 back. Ivan Tcherezov from Russia finished in fifth place, 27.7 seconds back, and Eberhard’s brother Tobias was 41.1 seconds slower than his brother.
Ready for Home World Cup
Julian Eberhard had a big smile on his face when he, once again, could climb onto the top step of the podium. He did not finish in the individual yesterday after cold hands kept him from hitting the targets. “I feel sorry for the entire team because despite their hard work I was not ready to perform yesterday.” Today, things looked a lot better for the Austrian and he commented towards head coach Remo Krug: “I am ready for the World Cup, I did my job here. Of course I hope to start in the home World Cup in Hochfilzen next week, but if not, I will keep doing a great job in the IBU Cup.”
Shot Well
Second place went to Slepov who only started in the IBU Cup last year. He explained: “I was 31st and 39th last year because I made many mistakes at the shooting range. Today I missed 1 shot and had good skis.” He is definitely not lacking self confidence since his reply to the question, if he should be expected on the IBU Cup podium more often from now on: “I think so, yes.”
World Cup Later
Alexander Os is not sure yet where he will go next. “I hope I can do World Cups later in the season.” About his performance today he said: “I felt better than yesterday and the shooting was almost okay. When I missed that one shot, I had a feeling that it was a bad shot.”
Slepov Second, Os Third
For the third time in the third sprint of the IBU Cup season, nobody was able to beat Julian Eberhard of Austria. He won the men’s 10k sprint, with one penalty at IBU Cup 2 today in 26:06.3. Second place went to the surprisingly strong Russian Alexey Slepov with also one penalty, 13.6 seconds back. Third place went to Norway’s Alexander Os who matched the others at the shooting range but was 23.7 seconds slower.
Fourth place went to the only man in the top six who shot clean; Florent Claude of France finished 23.8 back. Ivan Tcherezov from Russia finished in fifth place, 27.7 seconds back, and Eberhard’s brother Tobias was 41.1 seconds slower than his brother.
Ready for Home World Cup
Julian Eberhard had a big smile on his face when he, once again, could climb onto the top step of the podium. He did not finish in the individual yesterday after cold hands kept him from hitting the targets. “I feel sorry for the entire team because despite their hard work I was not ready to perform yesterday.” Today, things looked a lot better for the Austrian and he commented towards head coach Remo Krug: “I am ready for the World Cup, I did my job here. Of course I hope to start in the home World Cup in Hochfilzen next week, but if not, I will keep doing a great job in the IBU Cup.”
Shot Well
Second place went to Slepov who only started in the IBU Cup last year. He explained: “I was 31st and 39th last year because I made many mistakes at the shooting range. Today I missed 1 shot and had good skis.” He is definitely not lacking self confidence since his reply to the question, if he should be expected on the IBU Cup podium more often from now on: “I think so, yes.”
World Cup Later
Alexander Os is not sure yet where he will go next. “I hope I can do World Cups later in the season.” About his performance today he said: “I felt better than yesterday and the shooting was almost okay. When I missed that one shot, I had a feeling that it was a bad shot.”
Russia Wins Mixed Relay, Topping Ukraine and France
Domination with Good Shooting and Skiing
The Russian mixed relay team with Anastasia Zagoruiko, Marina Korovina, Alexander Pechenkin and Timofey Lapshin won the first competition at the IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun, Italy in a dominating fashion. Behind them, Ukraine and France finished second and third.
Nervous
Already on the first lap, Russia’s first leg Anastasia Zagoruiko took the lead and the rest of the team only extended it during their legs. The only small weakness came when Alexander Pechenkin needed three spare rounds in standing, his weakness. “It is not so difficult to be far ahead of everyone, it almost feels like in an individual or sprint competition and you have a lot of time. But I was nervous during the shooting, I thought the entire lap that I have to shoot well, that’s why I had the misses.” Lapshin, who anchored for Russia, commented further, “It is not so difficult to have a big lead, but it is a little bit of pressure.”
Changing Positions
Behind the Russian team, there were several position changes. The Ukrainian team with first leg Iana Bondar was in second place at the first exchange, but behind them was Galina Vishnevskaya of Kazakhstan. During the third exchange, from Ukrainian Inna Suprun to Roman Pryma, Kazakhstan was fourth, slightly ahead of Norway and Anais Chevalier of France, who handed over to Baptiste Jouty. Pryma then dropped to fourth after a mistake and a resulting penalty loop in the standing bout. But due to a very strong last lap, he passed Jouty and Erling Aalvik of Norway and handed over to Oleg Berezhnoy only 0.1 seconds ahead of France with Antonin Guigonnat. At this time, Norway and Kazakhstan still were in podium contention.
Very Good Shape
The final standing stage then brought a bit of excitement. While Sergey Naumik for Kazakhstan had one penalty, Guigonnat needed all three spare rounds with Dag Erik Kokkin for Norway only needing one. Ukraine seemed safely in second place, 15 seconds ahead of Kokkin. However, Guigonnat commented about his last lap, “I was in really good shape and tried to pass the Norwegian slowly but surely to secure the podium. Then I realized that I was getting close to the Ukrainian and tried to catch him but I would have needed a few more meters.”
Bad Last Lap
Berezhnoy explained, “The last lap was not good, the first half was especially not good. I saw that the French hat a very good first half, but I knew that I would beat him.”
In the end, Russia finished in 1:25:14.5 with just seven spare rounds ahead of Ukraine with one penalty and eight spares. The French team needed five spares and was 2.7 seconds behind Ukraine in the finish, a total of 1:16.9 behind Russia. The next teams were Norway, Kazakhstan and Canada.
Domination with Good Shooting and Skiing
The Russian mixed relay team with Anastasia Zagoruiko, Marina Korovina, Alexander Pechenkin and Timofey Lapshin won the first competition at the IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun, Italy in a dominating fashion. Behind them, Ukraine and France finished second and third.
Nervous
Already on the first lap, Russia’s first leg Anastasia Zagoruiko took the lead and the rest of the team only extended it during their legs. The only small weakness came when Alexander Pechenkin needed three spare rounds in standing, his weakness. “It is not so difficult to be far ahead of everyone, it almost feels like in an individual or sprint competition and you have a lot of time. But I was nervous during the shooting, I thought the entire lap that I have to shoot well, that’s why I had the misses.” Lapshin, who anchored for Russia, commented further, “It is not so difficult to have a big lead, but it is a little bit of pressure.”
Changing Positions
Behind the Russian team, there were several position changes. The Ukrainian team with first leg Iana Bondar was in second place at the first exchange, but behind them was Galina Vishnevskaya of Kazakhstan. During the third exchange, from Ukrainian Inna Suprun to Roman Pryma, Kazakhstan was fourth, slightly ahead of Norway and Anais Chevalier of France, who handed over to Baptiste Jouty. Pryma then dropped to fourth after a mistake and a resulting penalty loop in the standing bout. But due to a very strong last lap, he passed Jouty and Erling Aalvik of Norway and handed over to Oleg Berezhnoy only 0.1 seconds ahead of France with Antonin Guigonnat. At this time, Norway and Kazakhstan still were in podium contention.
Very Good Shape
The final standing stage then brought a bit of excitement. While Sergey Naumik for Kazakhstan had one penalty, Guigonnat needed all three spare rounds with Dag Erik Kokkin for Norway only needing one. Ukraine seemed safely in second place, 15 seconds ahead of Kokkin. However, Guigonnat commented about his last lap, “I was in really good shape and tried to pass the Norwegian slowly but surely to secure the podium. Then I realized that I was getting close to the Ukrainian and tried to catch him but I would have needed a few more meters.”
Bad Last Lap
Berezhnoy explained, “The last lap was not good, the first half was especially not good. I saw that the French hat a very good first half, but I knew that I would beat him.”
In the end, Russia finished in 1:25:14.5 with just seven spare rounds ahead of Ukraine with one penalty and eight spares. The French team needed five spares and was 2.7 seconds behind Ukraine in the finish, a total of 1:16.9 behind Russia. The next teams were Norway, Kazakhstan and Canada.
Alexey Volkov Wins Ridnaun Sprint
Two Austrians on Podium
Alexey Volkov of Russia won the men’s 10K sprint at IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun, Italy. He shot clean to finish 3.7 seconds ahead of Tobias Eberhard of Austria, who also shot clean. Austria also claimed the third podium spot as Daniel Mesotitsch finished 38.9 seconds back with one penalty.
Fourth place went to Benedikt Doll of Germany with two penalties, 45.5 seconds back. Marc-Andre Bedard of Canada finished fifth with clean shooting ahead of Tobias Hermann of Germany who was 54.7 seconds back with one penalty.
Material
Eberhard, the brother of Julian who won the first three sprint competitions at the earlier IBU Cups this season, looked like the winner today until Volkov came flying around the course. Right from the start, the Russian was a few seconds ahead of Eberhard and Volkov explained, “I tried to go my own speed and to be as fast as possible on the last lap.” It had started to snow right before the start and at times came down hard during the competition just to slow down to a light flurry minutes later. Due to these changing conditions, Volkov explained that he was concerned to have chosen the wrong ski, but his speed and the victory show that he chose right.
Close the Gap
Eberhard started with Nr. 35 and watched the end of the competition from the cooldown-track. Like his brother, he would like to start in the World Cup soon and wants to take the opportunity tomorrow to show the coaches his qualities. “I hope to close the gap early on tomorrow and the rest depends on the shooting anyways.”
Last lap
Behind Eberhard, Mesotitsch finished in third and had to battle the time of the strong German skier Doll on the last lap. After the standing stage, his lead was still 10 seconds but 1.2K before the finish he was only 4 seconds ahead of the German. Mesotitsch explained, “I did not know that I was losing but the last lap is the one where you go all out anyways. If someone is gaining time on you then, there is really nothing you can do.”
Pursuit
The pursuit competition tomorrow promises to be exciting. With seven athletes start within the first minute, the entire field will start within 3:40 minutes. With four shooting bouts, anything is possible, even for those who were not on top today.
Two Austrians on Podium
Alexey Volkov of Russia won the men’s 10K sprint at IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun, Italy. He shot clean to finish 3.7 seconds ahead of Tobias Eberhard of Austria, who also shot clean. Austria also claimed the third podium spot as Daniel Mesotitsch finished 38.9 seconds back with one penalty.
Fourth place went to Benedikt Doll of Germany with two penalties, 45.5 seconds back. Marc-Andre Bedard of Canada finished fifth with clean shooting ahead of Tobias Hermann of Germany who was 54.7 seconds back with one penalty.
Material
Eberhard, the brother of Julian who won the first three sprint competitions at the earlier IBU Cups this season, looked like the winner today until Volkov came flying around the course. Right from the start, the Russian was a few seconds ahead of Eberhard and Volkov explained, “I tried to go my own speed and to be as fast as possible on the last lap.” It had started to snow right before the start and at times came down hard during the competition just to slow down to a light flurry minutes later. Due to these changing conditions, Volkov explained that he was concerned to have chosen the wrong ski, but his speed and the victory show that he chose right.
Close the Gap
Eberhard started with Nr. 35 and watched the end of the competition from the cooldown-track. Like his brother, he would like to start in the World Cup soon and wants to take the opportunity tomorrow to show the coaches his qualities. “I hope to close the gap early on tomorrow and the rest depends on the shooting anyways.”
Last lap
Behind Eberhard, Mesotitsch finished in third and had to battle the time of the strong German skier Doll on the last lap. After the standing stage, his lead was still 10 seconds but 1.2K before the finish he was only 4 seconds ahead of the German. Mesotitsch explained, “I did not know that I was losing but the last lap is the one where you go all out anyways. If someone is gaining time on you then, there is really nothing you can do.”
Pursuit
The pursuit competition tomorrow promises to be exciting. With seven athletes start within the first minute, the entire field will start within 3:40 minutes. With four shooting bouts, anything is possible, even for those who were not on top today.
Olsbu Wins Women’s Sprint in Ridnaun
Another Norwegian Woman on Top
Marte Olsbu won the women’s 7.5K sprint at IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun, Italy. The Norwegian needed 24:09.9 after shooting clean. She continues a trend this season because so far, the Norwegian women won all individual competitions at IBU Cups this season. Her teammate Ane Skrove Nossum, finished 30.8 seconds back, with clean shooting. Third went to Poland’s Paulina Bobak with one penalty, 1:09.7 back.
Fourth place went to Kazakhstan’s Darya Usanova who beamed with joy. She had two penalties but her speed on the last lap helped her to the place right next to the podium. She was 1:14.8 back. Behind her, France’s Jacquemine Baud and Anais Chevalier rounded out the top 6. Both shot clean and were 1:24.6 and 1:27.4 back, respectively.
Strong Performance by Olsbu
The conditions during the sprint were difficult because heavy snowfall started right at the start of the competition and kept getting stronger throughout the competition. The accumulating snow made the tracks deep and slow and demanded a lot of the women. Olsbu’s performance is even better considering that with bib nr. 46 she was the last one to start of those in the top 6.
Nervous and excited
Olsbu explained at the finish, “I felt very strong today and my shooting was very good. On the tracks it was very hard because it was not so fast anymore.” Her first victory now follows the first pursuit start as the one being chased. She continued, “I am a bit nervous but also excited.”
Tired
The first one to chase Olsbu tomorrow will be her teammate Ane Skrove Nossum. For her, this sprint was the first competition this season since she felt tired throughout the fall. In the finish she commented, “I am happy with my shooting, I think the last time I shot 0-0 was two years ago. And I am happy that my body works again.” About the pursuit she explained, “Marte and I are in the same training group in the summer and I think we are at about the same level. So I have to work very hard in order to beat her tomorrow.”
Ridnaun Instead of Pokljuka
Paulina Bobak from Poland in third place decided to start at the IBU Cup in Ridnaun instead of at the World Cup in Pokljuka, despite her personal best 23rd in the sprint in Hochfilzen last week. “I am in top shape but I preferred to start here. In Pokljuka it is raining and windy, so I think this was probably the right decision. But the fresh snow on the tracks was not so good.”
The heavy snowfall spread the women’s field for tomorrow’s pursuit. The top 10 will start within 1:35 and the rest of the field will follow in a total of 4:31.
Another Norwegian Woman on Top
Marte Olsbu won the women’s 7.5K sprint at IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun, Italy. The Norwegian needed 24:09.9 after shooting clean. She continues a trend this season because so far, the Norwegian women won all individual competitions at IBU Cups this season. Her teammate Ane Skrove Nossum, finished 30.8 seconds back, with clean shooting. Third went to Poland’s Paulina Bobak with one penalty, 1:09.7 back.
Fourth place went to Kazakhstan’s Darya Usanova who beamed with joy. She had two penalties but her speed on the last lap helped her to the place right next to the podium. She was 1:14.8 back. Behind her, France’s Jacquemine Baud and Anais Chevalier rounded out the top 6. Both shot clean and were 1:24.6 and 1:27.4 back, respectively.
Strong Performance by Olsbu
The conditions during the sprint were difficult because heavy snowfall started right at the start of the competition and kept getting stronger throughout the competition. The accumulating snow made the tracks deep and slow and demanded a lot of the women. Olsbu’s performance is even better considering that with bib nr. 46 she was the last one to start of those in the top 6.
Nervous and excited
Olsbu explained at the finish, “I felt very strong today and my shooting was very good. On the tracks it was very hard because it was not so fast anymore.” Her first victory now follows the first pursuit start as the one being chased. She continued, “I am a bit nervous but also excited.”
Tired
The first one to chase Olsbu tomorrow will be her teammate Ane Skrove Nossum. For her, this sprint was the first competition this season since she felt tired throughout the fall. In the finish she commented, “I am happy with my shooting, I think the last time I shot 0-0 was two years ago. And I am happy that my body works again.” About the pursuit she explained, “Marte and I are in the same training group in the summer and I think we are at about the same level. So I have to work very hard in order to beat her tomorrow.”
Ridnaun Instead of Pokljuka
Paulina Bobak from Poland in third place decided to start at the IBU Cup in Ridnaun instead of at the World Cup in Pokljuka, despite her personal best 23rd in the sprint in Hochfilzen last week. “I am in top shape but I preferred to start here. In Pokljuka it is raining and windy, so I think this was probably the right decision. But the fresh snow on the tracks was not so good.”
The heavy snowfall spread the women’s field for tomorrow’s pursuit. The top 10 will start within 1:35 and the rest of the field will follow in a total of 4:31.
Risk Pays Off for Tobias Eberhard
Volkov and Lapshin Second and Third
Austria’s Tobias Eberhard won the men’s 12.5K pursuit competition at IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun today after his second place in the sprint. Alexey Volkov, winner of the sprint, finished in second place. Third place went to Volkov’s Russian teammate Timofey Lapshin, who jumped from 11th place onto the podium with clean shooting.
Eberhard and Volkov
During the entire competition, it was only Eberhard or Volkov for the win. Shortly before he was back in the stadium for the first time, Eberhard had made up the four seconds he was back at the start. Both athletes shot clean during the first prone stage and went back on the tracks together. Volkov had one miss during the second prone stage so that Eberhard was about 20 seconds ahead of him on the tracks. However, this lead was gone after the first standing stage when Eberhard missed while Volkov stayed clean. They arrived together for the final standing stage where they stood, back to back. Eberhard shot fast; he only needed 24.9 seconds to clean all five targets while Volkov needed 30.7 seconds and missed once. At this point, Eberhard was the winner and in the finish was 23.9 seconds ahead of Volkov. The Austrian explained the last shooting stage. “That was for sure my best series in this season. I had planned to risk something and it really paid off.” After Eberhard took over the lead in the IBU Cup sprint and total score, he is likely going to follow his brother Julian onto the World Cup team in January.
Altitude
Alexey Volkov explained at the finish, “It is not easy to compete at this altitude after the World Cup in Hochfilzen. I felt worse today than yesterday. At the last shooting it was difficult to concentrate because of this.” He went on and explained that he did not notice that Eberhard had cleaned, only that he was shooting rapidly.
Third Place
Behind these two, there was a fight for third place with several changes of position. Before the last standing stage, Tobias Herman in third, and Robin Kiel in fourth seemed to be the most likely candidates for the last spot on the podium. However, Hermann missed twice and Kiel once. Daniel Mesotitsch of Austria was only a few seconds behind Kiel but also missed twice. Although the Russians Alexey Slepov and Lapshin arrived at the shooting range about 30 seconds behind Hermann, Lapshin hit all five targets for the fourth time today and went back on the tracks in third place. Even though Hermann tried to catch the Russian, Lapshin finished third, 1:08 back with Hermann in fourth, 1:14.9 back and a total of two penalties.
Fifth place went to Slepov with two penalties, 1:20.4 minutes back. Nathan Smith from Canada rounded out the top six with three mistakes and 1:26.3 back.
Volkov and Lapshin Second and Third
Austria’s Tobias Eberhard won the men’s 12.5K pursuit competition at IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun today after his second place in the sprint. Alexey Volkov, winner of the sprint, finished in second place. Third place went to Volkov’s Russian teammate Timofey Lapshin, who jumped from 11th place onto the podium with clean shooting.
Eberhard and Volkov
During the entire competition, it was only Eberhard or Volkov for the win. Shortly before he was back in the stadium for the first time, Eberhard had made up the four seconds he was back at the start. Both athletes shot clean during the first prone stage and went back on the tracks together. Volkov had one miss during the second prone stage so that Eberhard was about 20 seconds ahead of him on the tracks. However, this lead was gone after the first standing stage when Eberhard missed while Volkov stayed clean. They arrived together for the final standing stage where they stood, back to back. Eberhard shot fast; he only needed 24.9 seconds to clean all five targets while Volkov needed 30.7 seconds and missed once. At this point, Eberhard was the winner and in the finish was 23.9 seconds ahead of Volkov. The Austrian explained the last shooting stage. “That was for sure my best series in this season. I had planned to risk something and it really paid off.” After Eberhard took over the lead in the IBU Cup sprint and total score, he is likely going to follow his brother Julian onto the World Cup team in January.
Altitude
Alexey Volkov explained at the finish, “It is not easy to compete at this altitude after the World Cup in Hochfilzen. I felt worse today than yesterday. At the last shooting it was difficult to concentrate because of this.” He went on and explained that he did not notice that Eberhard had cleaned, only that he was shooting rapidly.
Third Place
Behind these two, there was a fight for third place with several changes of position. Before the last standing stage, Tobias Herman in third, and Robin Kiel in fourth seemed to be the most likely candidates for the last spot on the podium. However, Hermann missed twice and Kiel once. Daniel Mesotitsch of Austria was only a few seconds behind Kiel but also missed twice. Although the Russians Alexey Slepov and Lapshin arrived at the shooting range about 30 seconds behind Hermann, Lapshin hit all five targets for the fourth time today and went back on the tracks in third place. Even though Hermann tried to catch the Russian, Lapshin finished third, 1:08 back with Hermann in fourth, 1:14.9 back and a total of two penalties.
Fifth place went to Slepov with two penalties, 1:20.4 minutes back. Nathan Smith from Canada rounded out the top six with three mistakes and 1:26.3 back.
Olsbu Wins for Second Time
Stronger Than Nossum and Zagoruiko
Marte Olsbu of Norway won the women’s 10K pursuit after her victory in the sprint yesterday at the IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun. She needed a total of 35:29.4 and made a total of five penalties. Second place went to her teammate Ane Skrove Nossum who had also been second in the sprint. She was 9.8 seconds behind with four penalties. Third place went to Russia’s Anastasia Zagoruiko who matched Nossum at the shooting range but had started from 10th place. She was 23.6 seconds back at the finish.
Olsbu
Olsbu led almost throughout the entire competition but was always closely followed by her teammate. Only after the first standing stage could Nossum take the lead when Olsbu missed three targets while Nossum only missed two. But Olsbu passed her teammate on the course again. At the last standing shooting, both had a penalty and Olsbu returned to the course 1 second ahead of Nossum. She extended her lead all the way to the finish.
Faster
She was obviously happy about her second international victory and commented, “I am really happy. I hoped that I could win again today but you never know. I did not shoot well today.” When asked if she was afraid that Nossum would catch her, she replied, “All the time! I was very nervous and ran as fast as I could. I think I was a bit faster than her yesterday so I hoped that I could stay ahead of her today.”
Learning Experience
Nossum was pleased with her second rank. “That was a good race, but I was a bit disappointed with my first standing shooting when I missed two. I knew that she was stronger yesterday and that it could be tough today.” Norway’s Coach Stian Eckhoff was pleased with the girls, despite the many misses at the shooting range and called today a valuable learning experience for the young women.
Angry
Third place went to Zagoruiko who shouted out her relief when she was at the finish. She had started from 10th place and despite four mistakes at the shooting range she still managed to jump onto the podium. After three misses in the prone stages, she was more than 2 minutes back but due to her speed on the track and her fast, clean shooting at the last standing stage she fought her way to the front again. She commented, “My mistakes at the shooting range made me angry today. I used this anger and tried to go faster. At the finish I shouted out the relief I felt.”
Thank you
IBU Race Director IBU Cup Felix Bitterling thanked the OC Ridnaun and all the volunteers for taking over this IBU Cup and for conducting the event professionally and on a very high level, despite the short preparation time.
Otepää and Ostrov
Fourth place went to Russia’s Valentina Nazarova ahead of her teammate Larisa Kuznetsova. Both had three penalties and were 29.5 and 31.3 seconds back, respectively. Sixth place went to Audrey Vaillancourt from Canada with two penalties, 33.9 seconds back.
After the Christmas break, the IBU will go to Otepää in Estonia and then Ostrov in Russia. Until then, Anastasia Zagoruiko holds the lead in the IBU Cup Total Score with Norway’s Bente Landheim the leader in the Overall Sprint Score. Landheim competes in the World Cup this weekend.
Stronger Than Nossum and Zagoruiko
Marte Olsbu of Norway won the women’s 10K pursuit after her victory in the sprint yesterday at the IBU Cup 3 in Ridnaun. She needed a total of 35:29.4 and made a total of five penalties. Second place went to her teammate Ane Skrove Nossum who had also been second in the sprint. She was 9.8 seconds behind with four penalties. Third place went to Russia’s Anastasia Zagoruiko who matched Nossum at the shooting range but had started from 10th place. She was 23.6 seconds back at the finish.
Olsbu
Olsbu led almost throughout the entire competition but was always closely followed by her teammate. Only after the first standing stage could Nossum take the lead when Olsbu missed three targets while Nossum only missed two. But Olsbu passed her teammate on the course again. At the last standing shooting, both had a penalty and Olsbu returned to the course 1 second ahead of Nossum. She extended her lead all the way to the finish.
Faster
She was obviously happy about her second international victory and commented, “I am really happy. I hoped that I could win again today but you never know. I did not shoot well today.” When asked if she was afraid that Nossum would catch her, she replied, “All the time! I was very nervous and ran as fast as I could. I think I was a bit faster than her yesterday so I hoped that I could stay ahead of her today.”
Learning Experience
Nossum was pleased with her second rank. “That was a good race, but I was a bit disappointed with my first standing shooting when I missed two. I knew that she was stronger yesterday and that it could be tough today.” Norway’s Coach Stian Eckhoff was pleased with the girls, despite the many misses at the shooting range and called today a valuable learning experience for the young women.
Angry
Third place went to Zagoruiko who shouted out her relief when she was at the finish. She had started from 10th place and despite four mistakes at the shooting range she still managed to jump onto the podium. After three misses in the prone stages, she was more than 2 minutes back but due to her speed on the track and her fast, clean shooting at the last standing stage she fought her way to the front again. She commented, “My mistakes at the shooting range made me angry today. I used this anger and tried to go faster. At the finish I shouted out the relief I felt.”
Thank you
IBU Race Director IBU Cup Felix Bitterling thanked the OC Ridnaun and all the volunteers for taking over this IBU Cup and for conducting the event professionally and on a very high level, despite the short preparation time.
Otepää and Ostrov
Fourth place went to Russia’s Valentina Nazarova ahead of her teammate Larisa Kuznetsova. Both had three penalties and were 29.5 and 31.3 seconds back, respectively. Sixth place went to Audrey Vaillancourt from Canada with two penalties, 33.9 seconds back.
After the Christmas break, the IBU will go to Otepää in Estonia and then Ostrov in Russia. Until then, Anastasia Zagoruiko holds the lead in the IBU Cup Total Score with Norway’s Bente Landheim the leader in the Overall Sprint Score. Landheim competes in the World Cup this weekend.
Iourieva Wins Otepää 15K
Russian Women Dominate
Despite two penalties, Ekaterina Iourieva of Russia won the women’s 15K individual at IBU Cup 4 in Otepää, Estonia. In a windy competition she stayed 8 seconds ahead of her teammate Anastasia Zagoruiko who also had two penalties. Third place went to Ane Skrove Nossum of Norway with four penalties, 1:18.6 back.
Fourth place went to Kadri Lehtla of Estonia, causing cheers among the spectators. Her three penalties left her 1:54.0 back. Carolin Hennecke of Germany finished in fifth with four penalties, 2:01.7 back. Sixth place went to another Russian; Larisa Kuznetsova, with three penalties, 2;21 back.
Fan Club
Iourieva took over the lead after the third shooting from Anastasia Zagoruiko who missed once in each prone stage. Heavy wind had brought colder temperatures that hardened up the tracks but also was the cause of missed targets at the shooting range. Iourieva missed once more during the final standing stage but left the stadium 11 seconds ahead of Zagoruiko. Her lead was enough to have her fan club present her with an enthusiastic welcome at the finish line, in first place. After signing autographs and posing for pictures at the finish, Iourieva commented, still with a bright smile on her face, “I am really glad that my fans are here, they make my mood better.”
Prepared for Wind
Second place finisher Zagoruiko also was smiling and in a good mood in the finish. She declared that she was happy with her result and that “it was difficult today, I am happy that I only had two misses. I understood that the weather would be the deciding factor today and I prepared for the wind. I generally shoot well with wind, though.”
Thank You to Wax Techs
This was the first women’s competition of this IBU Cup season that did not see a Norwegian woman on top of the podium. However, two were close. While Thekla Brun-Lie missed two shots at the final standing stage and dropped out of the top 10, Ane Skrove Nossum missed once after three misses in the first standing stage. Despite two more mistakes than the Russians, she made it to the podium. She explained, “I had very good skis today, I can say thank you to our technicians for this. I am happy with my shooting as well, it was not too difficult but I was just not calm, that’s why I made the mistakes.”
Russian Women Dominate
Despite two penalties, Ekaterina Iourieva of Russia won the women’s 15K individual at IBU Cup 4 in Otepää, Estonia. In a windy competition she stayed 8 seconds ahead of her teammate Anastasia Zagoruiko who also had two penalties. Third place went to Ane Skrove Nossum of Norway with four penalties, 1:18.6 back.
Fourth place went to Kadri Lehtla of Estonia, causing cheers among the spectators. Her three penalties left her 1:54.0 back. Carolin Hennecke of Germany finished in fifth with four penalties, 2:01.7 back. Sixth place went to another Russian; Larisa Kuznetsova, with three penalties, 2;21 back.
Fan Club
Iourieva took over the lead after the third shooting from Anastasia Zagoruiko who missed once in each prone stage. Heavy wind had brought colder temperatures that hardened up the tracks but also was the cause of missed targets at the shooting range. Iourieva missed once more during the final standing stage but left the stadium 11 seconds ahead of Zagoruiko. Her lead was enough to have her fan club present her with an enthusiastic welcome at the finish line, in first place. After signing autographs and posing for pictures at the finish, Iourieva commented, still with a bright smile on her face, “I am really glad that my fans are here, they make my mood better.”
Prepared for Wind
Second place finisher Zagoruiko also was smiling and in a good mood in the finish. She declared that she was happy with her result and that “it was difficult today, I am happy that I only had two misses. I understood that the weather would be the deciding factor today and I prepared for the wind. I generally shoot well with wind, though.”
Thank You to Wax Techs
This was the first women’s competition of this IBU Cup season that did not see a Norwegian woman on top of the podium. However, two were close. While Thekla Brun-Lie missed two shots at the final standing stage and dropped out of the top 10, Ane Skrove Nossum missed once after three misses in the first standing stage. Despite two more mistakes than the Russians, she made it to the podium. She explained, “I had very good skis today, I can say thank you to our technicians for this. I am happy with my shooting as well, it was not too difficult but I was just not calm, that’s why I made the mistakes.”
Iourieva Celebrates Second Win
First Podium for Sachenbacher-Stehle
Russia’s Ekaterina Iourieva celebrated her second victory at IBU Cup 4 today. Her clean shooting kept her only 3.6 seconds ahead of Germany’s Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle, who is better known in Otepää, Estonia, from her starts at cross-country world cups there. Despite two penalties, she celebrated her first international podium in her new sport. Third place went to Anastasia Zagoruiko of Russia with one penalty.
Battery Almost Full
Iourieva was hardly visible internationally after she was banned from the sport for doping from 2008 to 2010 but returned to the IBU Cup circuit with impressive performances. Even though she does not quite have the speed on the track, she won first the women’s 15K individual on Saturday and then the 7.5K sprint today in 21:16.5. That means she was 3.6 seconds faster than Sachenbacher-Stehle. She won also due to her flawless shooting, despite the wind, that got a bit less harsh but was still blowing through the stadium. The tracks were “a bit easier maybe, a bit faster” as she explained. “I am not completely in top shape; my batteries are maybe at 4 bars out of 5 now. I need a few more starts at competitions.”
First Podium
The newest biathlete, Sachenbacher-Stehle collected some experience in December and now won not only her first international podium spot but also the first podium for Germany in this year’s IBU Cup season. Key to her success was the continuously improving results at the shooting range and her increasing speed on the tracks. In the last loop alone she gained almost 12 seconds on Iourieva, after completing 2 penalty loops after the standing shooting stage. She commented, “I shoot faster and faster now and my skiing also is getting better. That’s normal for me; I am always a bit slow at the beginning of the season and get better after a few competitions.” The increasing routine and her win in the Deutschlandpokal, a national competition series in Germany, right before Christmas helped as well. “This of course gave me more security and confidence.”
Otepää and Germany Opposites
The former cross-country champion knows Otepää well. She explained, “It is strange, here, the people are really packed around the course for cross-country races and there are not so many for biathlon. In Germany it’s the opposite.” The 300 spectators in the stadium and around the tracks cheered extra loud for her today as well, though.
Anastasia Zagoruiko Third
With one penalty, 21.2 seconds back Zagoruiko finished in third place and expended her lead in the IBU Cup Total and Sprint Scores. Behind her, the second German woman finished in fourth; Carolin Hennecke made one penalty, 37.4 seconds back. Fifth place went to Valentina Nazarova of Russia with two penalties, 43 seconds back. The top six were rounded out by France’s Jacquemine Baud, who shot clean but was 44.7 seconds back.
First Podium for Sachenbacher-Stehle
Russia’s Ekaterina Iourieva celebrated her second victory at IBU Cup 4 today. Her clean shooting kept her only 3.6 seconds ahead of Germany’s Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle, who is better known in Otepää, Estonia, from her starts at cross-country world cups there. Despite two penalties, she celebrated her first international podium in her new sport. Third place went to Anastasia Zagoruiko of Russia with one penalty.
Battery Almost Full
Iourieva was hardly visible internationally after she was banned from the sport for doping from 2008 to 2010 but returned to the IBU Cup circuit with impressive performances. Even though she does not quite have the speed on the track, she won first the women’s 15K individual on Saturday and then the 7.5K sprint today in 21:16.5. That means she was 3.6 seconds faster than Sachenbacher-Stehle. She won also due to her flawless shooting, despite the wind, that got a bit less harsh but was still blowing through the stadium. The tracks were “a bit easier maybe, a bit faster” as she explained. “I am not completely in top shape; my batteries are maybe at 4 bars out of 5 now. I need a few more starts at competitions.”
First Podium
The newest biathlete, Sachenbacher-Stehle collected some experience in December and now won not only her first international podium spot but also the first podium for Germany in this year’s IBU Cup season. Key to her success was the continuously improving results at the shooting range and her increasing speed on the tracks. In the last loop alone she gained almost 12 seconds on Iourieva, after completing 2 penalty loops after the standing shooting stage. She commented, “I shoot faster and faster now and my skiing also is getting better. That’s normal for me; I am always a bit slow at the beginning of the season and get better after a few competitions.” The increasing routine and her win in the Deutschlandpokal, a national competition series in Germany, right before Christmas helped as well. “This of course gave me more security and confidence.”
Otepää and Germany Opposites
The former cross-country champion knows Otepää well. She explained, “It is strange, here, the people are really packed around the course for cross-country races and there are not so many for biathlon. In Germany it’s the opposite.” The 300 spectators in the stadium and around the tracks cheered extra loud for her today as well, though.
Anastasia Zagoruiko Third
With one penalty, 21.2 seconds back Zagoruiko finished in third place and expended her lead in the IBU Cup Total and Sprint Scores. Behind her, the second German woman finished in fourth; Carolin Hennecke made one penalty, 37.4 seconds back. Fifth place went to Valentina Nazarova of Russia with two penalties, 43 seconds back. The top six were rounded out by France’s Jacquemine Baud, who shot clean but was 44.7 seconds back.
