BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2015-2016 (Week 3/Day 3) - Men's 12,5km Pursuit race
19.12.2015, Pokljuka
Pokljuka Double for Simon Schempp
Wire-to-Wire Win
Clean-shooting Simon Schempp of Germany led from the start to the finish in capturing the men's pursuit today in 30:46.5, his second win of the week. Martin Fourcade of France finished second 16.6 seconds back, with one penalty. Russia's Anton Shipulin was third 23.4 seconds back with two penalties.
Fourth went to Norway's Tarjei Boe who finished 25.2 seconds back. Quentin Fillon Maillet finished fifth, 49.2 seconds back. Both Boe and Fillon Maillet had one penalty. Evgeniy Garanichev was sixth today, with two penalties, 55.5 seconds back.
Perfect Weather
The weather and conditions have been excellent all three days here in Pokljuka. 60 men left the stadium under brilliant sunshine with the temperature just below 0 Celsius, and no wind at the shooting range.
Schempp vs. Fourcade
A week ago in Hochfilzen Fourcade lost to Schempp in Sprint, but picked up a win in Pursuit. This time, first place was about the same two men who stayed close, although Schempp never relinquished his initial lead.
Schempp set a comfortable 16 second gap after the start, but his rivals moved closer with each loop. Fourcade commented on closing the gap, "I did a huge effort on the first three loops. I closed the big gap, and I was very exhausted."
In the two final standing stages Fourcade and Schempp shot side-by-side. Fourcade was faster, but missed one target in the final stage. He commented, "Before the race I thought that I would try to do all I can to be first. Simon was a little calmer at the last shooting. He had his own rhythm."
Schempp commented on his second victory, "I was focused to shoot clean and I was happy to get a gap before the last loop. Martin and I worked together during the competition, leaving others behind and securing the first two spots on the podium."Fourcade added, "We collaborated a lot the last lap. It was a good solution. We were making sure we had positions one and two."
Battle for Third
Hopes were high for the Russian men, after their big relay win in Hochfilzen, but a few things went wrong. Five Russians were among the first 12 starters. Shipulin had a penalty during the second prone stage, dropping him to eighth position. Volkov broke a pole and Garanichev fell down, eventually finishing sixth.
Shipulin was in fourth position, but the door to the podium opened, when Boe had a penalty in the last standing stage. Shipulin commented, "After the second penalty loop I thought it was possible. I was hoping to shoot clean and thought I had a chance to get on the podium."
With one competition to go, Shipulin is eager to get home to see his newborn son. "I want to go home and see my son. But I try to stay motivated and focused on the upcoming competitions."
