Victories in the Otepää World Cup pursuit races went to Norway and Italy

At the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup stage taking place at Tehvandi Sports Centre from 12–15 March, the men’s 12.5 km and women’s 10 km pursuit races were held on Saturday, 14 March. Contested in windy conditions, the race day delivered plenty of tension both on the course and at the shooting range.

In the men’s 12.5 km pursuit, Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid claimed victory, controlling the race from start to finish and missing just one target across all four shooting stages. France’s Emilien Jacquelin finished second (0+0+2+3; +2:33.4), while Norway’s Martin Uldal placed third (3+0+1+1; +2:46.7).

Silver medallist Jacquelin said after the finish that it had been one of the toughest races of his season. “It was a very hard race, probably one of the hardest of the year. A tough course and difficult conditions on the shooting range meant I had to stay focused all the time,” said Jacquelin. The French athlete also admitted he was not satisfied with the large time gap. “Crazy. I definitely need to do better next week,” he added.

The best-placed Estonian in the men’s race was Kristo Siimer, who finished 39th (1+0+4+2; +5:29.1). After the race, Siimer admitted that shooting had been the most difficult part in the challenging wind conditions. “The conditions were tough today. Of course I’m disappointed and hoped for more, but I guess seven penalties is quite normal in conditions like these,” said Siimer. He was, however, delighted by the support from the home crowd. “The cheering was so loud today that my right ear started ringing during the race. It needs a bit of rest now,” Siimer joked. Mark-Markos Kehva finished in 56th place (1+1+3+2; +7:54.4).

In the women’s 10 km pursuit, Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi took the win (1+0+0+1). Finland’s Suvi Minkkinen finished second (0+1+0+0; +26.2), while France’s Lou Jeanmonnot came third (0+0+0+1; +26.9).

Silver medallist Minkkinen said after the finish that competing in Otepää feels almost like racing at home. “It really feels like home here. The Finnish athletes get a lot of support,” said Minkkinen. She added that she enjoys the challenge of the Tehvandi shooting range because it makes the competition more exciting. “I like that it gives you a challenge. It’s not an easy range, and I think I managed it really well today,” she added.

Estonia’s Susan Külm finished in 18th place (0+2+2+0; +2:43.9). Overall, Külm was satisfied with her performance, although she admitted that the windy conditions made it a demanding race both on the track and at the range. “I’m satisfied. Tough conditions, an amazing crowd, and a huge amount of suffering. Indrek told me before the start to just go and enjoy it, and whatever comes, comes,” said Külm after the finish.