Vittozzi's dream World Cup finish, Wierer's last dance

The last women's decision at the Biathlon World Championships in Nove Mesto was once again a pure spectacle! The title went back to France, Vittozzi was able to celebrate her next medal and Dorothea Wierer enjoyed her (for now) last appearance on the big biathlon stage.

18. February 2024

From: fop

It was the World Championships for French biathletes, it was the World Championships for Lisa Vittozzi. That much was already clear before the final mass start over 12,5 kilometers. And that was impressively underlined in the final medal decision.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet took the world championship title with a lead of 31,2 seconds after a flawless shooting performance and an unleashed performance on the cross-country ski trail. Her French teammates Lou Jeanmonnot and Julia Simon took third and fourth place. Lisa Vittozzi once again slipped in between them.

Lisa Vittozzi, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Lou Jeanmonnot on the podium. © Pierre TEYSSOT

The 29-year-old from Friuli brought silver to a fitting end to a fantastic World Championships, which not only made her Italy's undisputed number one, but also definitely underlined her status as one of the best biathletes in the world. Vittozzi was crowned individual world champion in Nove Mesto, taking silver in the pursuit, in the mixed relay and now in the mass start. It was no match for Braisaz-Bouchat this Sunday, but with a flawless performance at the shooting range, Vittozzi kept the other French women at bay and finally crossed the finish line with a big grin on his face.

Wierer not at the forefront

In addition to Vittozzi, a second Azzurra enjoyed the spotlight on the final day of the World Cup: Dorothea Wierer. Although she was never able to intervene in the fight for the medals, she simply lost too much time with a total of three penalty laps. The eyes of almost 30.000 World Cup guests and those of millions of TV viewers were on her. Wierer announced on Saturday that she would end her season early after the World Cup. It is currently unclear whether she will compete in the World Cup again. In her last appearance at this World Cup, this season and possibly her entire career, Wierer finished 20th.