Justine Braisaz-Bouchet hits form at perfect time for first biathlon World Cup win in over two years
BySportsbeat
Updated 21/01/2022 at 19:49 GMT
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet's first World Cup victory since December 2019 came just a fortnight before the Olympics as Mona Brorsson also took a first career podium in Antholz-Anterselva. "It is really good to be back on the podium two weeks before the Olympic Games in the individual here in Antholz," said Braisaz-Bouchet.
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, World Cup Anterselva 2022
Image credit: Getty Images
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet claimed her first biathlon World Cup win in more than two years as she moved clear of compatriot Julia Simon late on to triumph in the women's 15km individual in Antholz-Anterselva.
The two French biathletes fought a see-saw battle for much of the race but during the final standing stage on the range, Braisaz-Bouchet - who had just a single penalty on the day - took the lead and then skied to glory by crossing the line in 42:20.6.
It was her first World Cup victory since December 2019 in Oestersund and she ultimately finished 51.1s ahead of Simon, who incurred two penalties, while Sweden's Mona Brorsson took the first World Cup podium finish of her career, 1:37.2 back.
"It is really good to be back on the podium two weeks before the Olympic Games in the individual here in Antholz," said Braisaz-Bouchet.
"It is pretty tough because of the altitude, but I was really patient on the (shooting) mat with the windy conditions and the emotion on the last shooting especially. I am really happy with the race."
Marketa Davidova's sixth-placed finish ensured she won the Women's Individual Crystal Globe, with only two individual races contested this season and Davidova having won the first back in November.
Sunday will see a women's 12.5km mass start race in Antholz, which will be the final event before the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games get underway early next month.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement