Eckhoff rose from eighth place to victory in the chase with zero shooting

Norway's Tiril Eckhoff found an excellent shooting style in the pursuit that ended the race in Kontiolahti and rose from eighth place to win the pursuit. Eckhoff cleared all four shooting positions without penalty rounds. The Norwegians' double victory was completed by Marte Olsbu Röiseland, who reached the finish line 21.5 seconds later, Sweden's Hanna Öberg, who won the speed race, was third.

Eckhoff rose to victory after the third shooting position and arrived at the shooting position for the last time at the same time as Röiseland and Öberg. Eckhoff shot zero, but Röiseland and Öberg each had one penalty round.

Eckhoff's podium finish was the first of the season. He has previously spoken about how life in the biathlon bubble has felt so difficult during the corona pandemic. He has also had a lot of challenges with shooting, but everything worked out on Sunday.

– Today I was very focused. I tried to shoot down one board at a time, Eckhoff said.

Röiseland was very happy about Eckhoff's success. He himself shot two missed shots from vertical positions, but was at a good pace on the track.

- Yesterday Norway didn't do so well (in the relay), so I was really motivated before this race. It was a good fight, Röiseland said happily.

Öberg continues in the yellow World Cup leader's vest despite the third place.

- It was a new situation to start the chase first, I enjoyed it. I started well. I was very tired today, but I'm really happy for the podium place, Öberg said.

No Finns participated in the competition.

See all results: biathlonresults.com
Text: Heidi Lehikoinen
Photo: Manzoni/IBU