France, France and more France.
This is how the first individual race of the world championships ended in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. Hanna Öberg was the best Swede in eighth place.
– It’s still a good starting point for the start of the hunt, says Öberg.
Hanna Öberg had a silver medal from last year’s WC sprint to defend, but there was a failure in the standing shooting and when the speed under the skis was also not enough, the Swede had to settle for eighth place.
– I feel that I spend a little too much time on the shooting range. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have taken the fourth shot from a standstill, I stand a little too long and struggle with it, says Hanna Öberg.
The result in the sprint is the basis for the starting order in Sunday’s chase start.
– I have to say that it is my best sprint so far this season, and it is still a good starting position for the chase, says Öberg.
Julia Simon, France, won, ahead of compatriots Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Lou Jeanmonnot. And then four? Also a Frenchwoman, Sophie Chauveau.
Elvira Öberg was the second best Swede in ninth place, also with a bar. Anna Magnusson was 20th, and Mona Brorsson finished in 38th place.
Facts: This is how the Biathlon World Cup continues
10/2: Sprint, men (17.05).
11/2: Hunt start, ladies (2.30pm), men (5.05pm).
13/2: Distance, ladies (17.10).
14/2: Distance, men (17.20).
15/2: Single mixed relay (18.00).
17/2: Relay, ladies (1.45 p.m.), men (4.30 p.m.).
18/2: Mass start, ladies (2.15 p.m.), men (4.30 p.m.).