Is this the preliminary decision in the overall World Cup?

The men's biathlon competition took place in a mass start in Pokljuka (Slovakia) on Saturday. While the Azzurri didn't have the best day, the preliminary decision for the overall World Cup may have been made.

March 15, 2025

From: mv

Before the race, Johannes Thingnes Bø caused a stir: He announced that he would not be able to compete in the mass start due to a fever. He had also already left northern Slovenia and was concentrating on the season finale next week. This was a great opportunity for Sturla Holm Laegreid, the overall World Cup leader, to extend his 39-point lead.

And he succeeded: In adverse conditions, the Norwegian placed third, gaining 60 points – increasing his lead to 99 points. While he's not yet secured the Crystal Globe, it will take a true miracle to dislodge Laegreid from the lead in Holmenknollen.

French double victory in Pokljuka

Otherwise, the French athletes put on a big show in Pokljuka. Eric Perrot won in 35.42,7:3,1 minutes, ahead of his compatriot Quentin Fillon Maillet (+44 seconds). Another Frenchman, Fabien Claude, finished fourth (+XNUMX seconds). The blue-white-reds have also been very strong in the men's competition this season.

Tommaso Giacomel screams his frustration: He didn't have a good day on Saturday. © APA/afp / FRANCK FIFE

Only one Azzurro, Tommaso Giacomel, competed on Saturday. The Trentino native had a bad day, making six penalties on the shooting range – five of them in the prone position – and ultimately finishing in 21st place. He finished 2.09,6 minutes, 12.05 minutes behind the winner, Perrot. The biathlon weekend in Pokljuka concludes on Sunday with an individual mixed relay (14.50:XNUMX p.m.) and a mixed relay (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.).