BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2016 (stage 4) - Men's 12,5km Pursuit race
09.01.2016, Ruhpolding

First Victory of Season for Simon Eder

Slesingr on Podium
Austria’s Simon Eder had a single penalty and held off fast-finishing Martin Fourcade of France to claim his first win of the new season in today’s men’s pursuit. Eder’s 33:19.1 for the 12.5K course was just 4.2 seconds ahead of Fourcade, who had two penalties. Michal Slesingr of Czech Republic, one of only two men to shoot clean, finished third, 5.1 seconds back.

Fourth went to Tarjei Boe of Norway with three penalties, 8 seconds back. His teammate Emil Hegle Svendsen had two penalties, finishing fifth, 26.2 seconds back. Nathan Smith of Canada was sixth, with one penalty, 45 seconds back.

Good Conditions

Men's 12,5 K Pursuit started 10 minutes later than originally planned due to TV-related issues. The home crowd grew impatient, hoping to see their favorites challenge yesterday's Norwegian domination in the sprint. Conditions were similar to yesterday: with the temperature just at freezing, and almost no wind on the shooting range.

After yesterday's Norwegian sweep in Men's Sprint, chances for the podium were high for the Boe brothers and Emil Hegle Svendsen. Three Austrian men started at 5, 6, and 7.

Boe Brothers Lead Early

The Boe brothers took an early lead from the start, trying to increase the gap with the rest of the group each loop. They cleaned the first prone simultaneously; at the second prone, however, both had a penalty and Fourcade took the lead.

In the first standing stage, the French star had one penalty as did Johannes, while Tarjei had two penalties. Fourcade, Johannes, Svendsen, Eder, and Tarjei led the third loop.

Decisive Last Standing Stage

The five men arrived together at the final standing; each of them with a chance for victory. One-by-one they had penalties. Fourcade shot fast, missing the third target. He commented on taking the risk, "Of course I can think that I could shoot slower and be safer. We were five athletes close to each other, and I had to risk."

Eder cleaned and left in the lead, while Fourcade, Boe brothers, and Svendsen went to the penalty loop.

As Eder was skiing his final loop, the main question of the day was: Will Fourcade close the 11-second gap? Yesterday with one of the best sprint times at the same time, he complained about his sickness. He closed the gap by about 7 seconds, but at the finish line Eder looked back to see Fourcade behind him and skied home alone.

The Austrian commented, "I didn't think it was possible. After first mistake I thought I couldn't get to the podium. At the last loop I heard that I had 17 seconds gap, and I hoped I had fast legs to keep this gap."

Fourcade: Lost Victory

"There are two ways you can look at my result today. From one side, I am satisfied about being back on the podium and gain points for the Total Score. At the same time, we can also see it as a lost victory. This is biathlon, and I like to play; I think my mistake today was attacking too much."

He was surprised by Eder's victory, "I didn't expect Simon to win, but when I saw him at the fourth loop, I knew he had a chance, as he is a good shooter."

Slesingr's First Podium This Season

Slesingr happy in third admitted this year did not start well. "My December was pretty bad. I put lots of pressure on myself because of my good results last season. This pressure effected my shooting. I had some time to focus on basic shooting skills this season. "

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