The penultimate stage of the Biathlon World Cup will not reverse the outcome of the season for the Tricolores as the ultra Norwegian domination – there are six of them occupying the first six places in the general classification – is obvious.
But the Blues were keen to end the winter on a better note. After his second place on Saturday in the sprint, Emilien Jacquelin did it again on Sunday March 10 by taking third place in the Soldier Hollow pursuit (United States).
Starting behind his compatriot Eric Perrot, with bib 2, the Grenoblois could not resist the relentless rise of Johannes Boe. Formidable in shooting precision (19/20) and particularly fast on skis, the World Cup leader came from 17th place to win ahead of his brother, Tarjei (18/20).
The Frenchman, however, held off Sturla Laegreid in a final explosive sprint finish, to maintain his third place in the Norwegian squadron (7 seconds 10). “I was like, oh no not again! Two Norwegians in front, one behind, it has to hold. I don’t want to be fourth again,” Emilien Jacquelin confided to the L’Equipe channel.
Despite a slump on the third shot (2 out of 5), the double Olympic vice-champion returned to the podium in the pursuit thanks to a final perfect shot (17/20). The second Frenchman, Éric Perrot, finished in eighth position.
After a disappointing start to the season, the biathlon Blues recorded a third podium in the World Cup during this penultimate American stage. Best tricolor, Emilien Jacquelin is tied for 10th in the general ranking (552 points).
In the race for the big crystal globe – rewarding the best biathlete in the general classification – the duel between the Boe brothers continues. With this victory, however, Johannes has taken a little lead: with three individual races remaining in the season, he is 62 points ahead of his elder brother. Victory will be decided next week in Canmore, Canada, where sprint, pursuit and mass start are scheduled for the ninth and final stage of the season.
