Lukas Hofer: The best comes last

The 2023/24 season is history: The biathlon winter concluded on Sunday with the men's mass start in Canmore (Canada). Lukas Hofer made people sit up and take notice in the last race of all times.

March 17, 2024

From: det

The best comes last: This saying applies to Lukas Hofer. In the last race of the season, of all places, the biathlete from Montal made it into the top 10 for the first time this World Cup winter and came tenth in the mass start in Canmore. The 34-year-old was only better this year at the World Championships in Nove Mesto, when he came ninth in the pursuit.

The mood at the last World Cup race of the winter was good everywhere. And so Hofer and his teammate Didier Bionaz crossed the finish line arm in arm. Hofer was even on course for the top 5 in the race, but his three shooting errors cost him a few places. Nevertheless, the Pusterer should be very satisfied with this season finale.

Giacomel world class again

Only one person in Italy's team was better at the end, namely Tommaso Giacomel. With fourth place, the 23-year-old from Trentino showed that he is currently one of the few biathletes who can stand up to the Norwegian superstars. In the overall World Cup, Giacomel, who reached the podium twice this year, finished the season in 4th place.

Tommaso Giacomel came fourth. © Teyssot / Pierre TEYSSOT

The victory unsurprisingly went to Johannes Thingnes Bø, who celebrated his eighth win of the season on Sunday. Even before the race it was clear that the biathlon dominator could no longer take away his fifth overall World Cup. Second place went to Bø's compatriot Johannes Dale, while Frenchman Emilien Jacquelin secured third place.

However, a lady from Italy provided the big show on Sunday: Lisa Vittozzi won her first overall World Cup in the last race of the season.