Azure Feast! Giacomel is running away from everyone

Tommaso Giacomel has ended the long dry spell of Italian biathletes in this World Cup winter with a bang. The Trentino native became a hero on Sunday and grabbed his first victory on the big stage.

19 January 2025

From: never

Vebjörn Sörum and Martin Uldal managed it before him, and on Sunday Tommaso Giacomel followed suit and became the third biathlete to celebrate his World Cup debut victory this season. The Azzurro exceeded his own expectations in the 15-kilometer mass start in Ruhpolding and put himself in an excellent starting position thanks to his flawless performance on the shooting range. But the decision was ultimately made on the cross-country ski run, where he relegated the two Norwegians Sturla Holm Lägreid (1 penalty lap/+6,3 seconds) and Johannes Thingnes Bö (2/+11,4) to second and third places.

In the last standing position, Giacomel showed particular nerves of steel when he set an incredible pace in the showdown with Lägreid and Bö, forcing at least the latter to make a mistake. Overall, only two athletes, the Swiss Joscha Burkhalter and the Frenchman Quentin Fillon Maillet, were faster at the shooting range than Giacomel that day. In the final round, the Italian did not let himself be dissuaded from his goal and confidently brought his lead over the line.

Giacomel: "Simply crazy"

Following his phenomenal high, Giacomel couldn't believe his luck - and struggled for words in the official winner's interview. "It's just crazy. Out of this world," he enthused into the microphone. "It was a really difficult time for our team. To fight back today and show everyone what we're capable of is great."

Even Johannes Thingnes Bö left Giacomel behind. © APA/afp / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

In the overall World Cup, Giacomel made a big leap forward, and is now in 335th place with 11 points. Five-time Olympic champion Bö (727) is still at the top, although his lead over Lägreid (689) has shrunk somewhat. The overall World Cup leader was the focus of attention in Ruhpolding not only because of his performance, but also because of his resignation announced on Saturday.

Giacomel breaks the deadlock

The triumph in Bavaria was not only a special event for Giacomel, but also for the Italian association. The Azzurri celebrated their first podium finish this winter together with the 24-year-old. In addition, Giacomel became the third azure blue biathlete after Lukas Hofer and Dominik Windisch to win a World Cup in the last 25 years. The last such success was four years ago, in March 2021 Hofer triumphed in the sprint in Östersund.

Giacomel's performance is particularly encouraging for the team with a view to the upcoming World Cup in Antholz (February 23 to 26). There will be another opportunity to do so from 15.00 p.m. onwards, when the women's mass start is scheduled. Also taking part is two-time overall World Cup winner Dorothea Wierer.