Day 7 closed the men’s competitions at the IBU Youth and Junior World Championships in Arber, with the Youth and Junior Men battling for relay medals. Italy opened the day with a historic Youth relay victory, while France capped the program with a commanding performance in the Junior race.

Youth Men Relay

Italy claimed gold with the trio of Andreas Fraunhofer, Julian Huber and Jonas Tscholl, becoming the tenth nation to win gold at these championships and setting a new record for the most nations taking a title at a single YJWCH. Austria finished second and Estonia third. Both teams launched their podium charge on the final loop after leaving the shooting range in fourth (Estonia) and fifth (Austria), overtaking their rivals on the track. Estonia also recorded the best shooting performance of the day among all teams (0+6).

Junior Men Relay

France claimed victory with the quartet of Camille Grataloup-Manissolle, Antonin Delsol, Guillaume Poirot and Leo Carlier. They moved into the lead at the second exchange and steadily extended their advantage over the rest of the field. Norway crossed the finish line almost two minutes later to take silver despite skiing three penalty loops. Italy secured bronze after a strong final leg.

The globes for the Junior Men Nations Cup and the Men’s IBU Junior Cup Relay Score were awarded to Czechia, which also battled for a medal for much of the race today before fading to fifth place after a difficult final leg.

The championships in Arber will conclude on Sunday with the Youth Women Relay followed by the Junior Women Relay.

Photos: Deubert/IBU