Michela Carrara prone shooting. © APA/afp / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

At the site of the World Cup triumph: Passler & Co. are doing well

Without Dorothea Wierer, Italy's biathletes started the relay with subdued expectations. This was not least due to the underwhelming results in Oberhof. In view of this, Rebecca Passler & Co. came out of the affair very well.

07 January 2024

From: leo

Even before the start of the race, it was clear that four nations would fight for the podium places - namely Norway, Sweden, France and Germany. In this four-way battle, the French women led by Justine Braisaz-Bouchet ultimately prevailed. Behind them were Norway, who won the first two seasons, and Sweden. The Azzurre, who won the World Cup last year, came in a strong fourth place.

Italy didn't get off to an optimal start with starting runner Samuela Comola. The gap to the leading Swedes after the first change was almost a minute, which was mainly due to the mileage instead of the three spares. Rebecca Passler was then unable to make up any time, but was able to make up two positions. She showed great nerves in the standing shot when she hit the target with all three spares. On the final lap, the 22-year-old distanced the USA and handed over to Lisa Vittozzi.

Vittozzi consolidates fourth place

This took a minute and a half to get to the trail. The gap to third place was too big to dream of a podium finish. However, due to numerous mistakes by the top nations, Italy's flagship team made up time and places. The German Sophia Schneider and the Swede Hanna Öberg had to turn into the penalty loop. While the local heroes fell far behind, Öberg defended their third place. France's Sophie Chauveau was also under pressure after three standing errors. But the 3-year-old kept a cool head and sent Julia Simon in the lead on the last transfer.

Cheers from the French women. © APA/afp / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

Michela Carrara got a reassuring lead from Vittozzi to 5th place. The 26-year-old shot clean while lying down, but then shot three penalties while standing in strong winds. Because the nations behind also made mistakes, Carrara saved fourth place over the line. At the front, Simon also had to tremble for a short time after three mistakes in the standing stage. However, she hit all of the spares and thus kept the charging Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold out of harm's way. Elvira Öberg secured third place for Sweden.

The result