Andreas Birnbacher wins mass start in photo finish

Two races, two victories for Andreas Birnbacher. After the success in the mass start in Oberhof, it was repeated today in Antholz. But it was a very hard-fought victory for the 30-year-old from Schleching, because Martin Fourcade and Fredrik Lindström were still in the lead at the last shooting. But they both missed once and so Birnbacher was able to catch up and then defeat her in the final sprint. For the German it was the third win of the season, the first in Antholz, where he has never won and his best result so far was a second place, always in the mass start, five years ago.

Today, however, the Russian Shipulin came second. This completes his collection of medals in Antholz, as last year he won the sprint on this route and came third in the mass start. In addition, he finished 4th in the sprint in the 2009-2010 season. Last year's winner Martin Fourcade had to settle for third place, but was able to extend his lead in the overall World Cup standings over Svendsen (today only 14th) to 27 points.

Yesterday's sprint winner Fredrik Lindström from Sweden came fourth today ahead of Czech Michal Slesingr. Also worth mentioning is Ole Einar Björndalen's 10th place. Lukas Hofer, on the other hand, should forget today's race as quickly as possible, because with eight mistakes at the shooting range and almost five minutes behind Birnbacher, he finished 30th.

Tomorrow the last day of competition will take place in Antholz. At 12 p.m. the women take part in the mass start, three hours later the men end the Antholz Biathlon World Cup week with the 4x7,5 km relay.

Results mass start men - Antholz (January 21, 2012) 1. Andreas Birnbacher (GER) 38.45,7 (1) 2. Anton Shipulin (RUS) +0,1 (1) 3. Martin Fourcade (FRA) +0,3 (1) 4. Fredrik Lindström (SWE) +2,4 (1) 5. Michal Slesingr (CZE) +12,7 (0) 6. Dmitry Malyshko (RUS) +16,0 (2) 7. Jaroslav Soukup (CZE) +20,9 (2) 8. Alexis Boeuf (FRA) +31,6 (2) 9. Jakov Fak (SLO) +32,7 (3) 10. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen (NOR) +33,0 (2)

30. Lukas Hofer (Montal/ITA) +4.55,5 (8)

voting for the race

Andreas Birnbacher: Today's race reminded me a lot of 2007 here in Antholz, when I came second. Today I was ahead and I'm happy that it went so well in both shooting and running. I'm older and it's less stressful and I think my calm comes from that. The fans are of course great because they always cheer us on, even when things aren't going so well. But if you're successful, then of course it's even nicer. Am I thinking about the overall World Cup? No, that's still a long way away. I'll give it my all and fight, but there are a bunch of good athletes who can be at the top in the end.

Anton Shipulin: In the end I thought to myself that I had to put myself in a good position and I succeeded. On the last lap I was in good company and was confident that I could make it to the podium. And so it was. I'm just overjoyed now that I grabbed it. And especially in the last two shootings my performance was top.

Martin Fourcade: Do I work a lot mentally because I'm so strong this year? No, my girlfriend is the best psychologist and that's why I don't need professional help here. I have a strong team that I can compete with in every training session and that helps me to be at the top. Today I knew from the start that it would be difficult because I was in a group with Anton and Andi. Andi was simply unbeatable for me today. It's like a good wine - the older it gets, the better it is.

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Andreas Birnbacher wins mass start in photo finish

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