Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi never led at any point in this afternoon’s Hochfilzen Women’s 10 km Pursuit until she closed her 20th target in the last standing stage. From that point, she skied a brilliant last loop, leaving Yellow Bib Anna Magnusson behind for a 28:31.5 victory. The win marks the 2024 World Cup Total Score winner’s return after sitting out last season with her first podium ever in Hochfilzen and first victory since taking the March 2024 Canmore Pursuit.

“Knew one day all will come”

Vittozzi, having not reached even the Flower Ceremony in the new season’s first four individual competitions, was quite emotional after her stirring victory. “I did the perfect race. For sure it means a lot because last year was really tough. I really worked hard and knew that one day all will come. I trust my feeling and work and today was my day. The last loop was unbelievable because it was a dream to come back on top again. It means the world!”

“I enjoy every day”

The winner revealed that she missed moments like today and just being in biathlon, “A lot. I enjoy every day here with the biathlon family and I am happy to be able to do my job. Just to enjoy and have fun; for sure the results will come.”

Sweden’s Anna Magnusson, with one penalty finished second, 11.4 seconds back, retaining her Yellow Bib as the World Cup caravan heads to Annecy Le Grand Bornand next week. Norway's Maren Kirkeeide grabbed third with a fast last loop after three penalties, 39.5 seconds back.

France’s Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, with two penalties had her season best finish this season in fourth, 41.2 seconds back. Sweden’s Elvira Oeberg jumped from 29th to a season-best equaling fifth, with two penalties. 43.8 seconds back. France’s Camille Bened shot clean in sixth, 44.5 seconds back.

Jeanmonnot and Magnusson Duel

The women closed out the weekend on one final bluebird afternoon. Lou Jeanmonnot, Magnusson, and Dorothea Wierer cleaned the first prone, 15.5 and 32 seconds up on second and third.

Magnusson cleaned the second prone for the lead, 16 seconds before Jeanmonnot. Vittozzi went to 10-for-10 into third, 27 seconds back.

Jeanmonnot regained the lead with a clean first standing stage as Magnusson took a penalty loop tour. Vittozzi shot extremely fast and clean, zipping .3 seconds ahead of Magnusson as she left the penalty loop.

Vittozzi and Magnusson both cleaned the final standing stage, outshooting Jeanmonnot’s two penalties. The Italian had a 4-second margin as they left for the last loop. 20-for-20 Bened moved to third, 38 seconds off the leader’s pace but was passed by Kirkeeide, Braisaz-Bouchet and Elvira before the finish.

Vittozzi Powers to Victory

The Italian powered around the last loop for a convincing victory, leaving Magnusson in second place. Vittozzi smiled broadly, bowing to the fans, crossing the line with her first win in 20 months.

Photos: IBU/Walter, Nordic Focus