The IBU Para Biathlon World Cup in Notschrei made history, with a warm audience and exceptional winter conditions. On the final day of competition, the Sprint races saw Germany and China share the victories.

Before noon, athletes in the sitting categories contested a 7.5km race with two shooting bouts. China once again topped the men’s competition. As in last year’s Paralympic Trials, Mengtao Liu claimed victory, edging Zhongwu Mao by 13 seconds. Yerbol Khamitov secured his first podium finish of the season in third, while Zixu Liu, winner of his two previous starts, had to settle for fourth place.

In the women’s sitting race, Anja Wicker celebrated her first victory of the season. The German delivered a commanding performance and, despite skiing two penalty loops, finished more than a minute clear of second-placed Yuxin Zhai. The win also moved Wicker into the lead of the overall World Cup standings. Yilin Shan completed the podium, the only athlete in the field to shoot clean in both bouts.

In the standing men’s category, Xiaobin Liu claimed his first career World Cup victory. The 25-year-old Chinese athlete capitalised on the absence of Mark Arendz and a below-par performance from the other favourites. With flawless shooting, he overtook Jiayun Cai by 10 seconds. Third place went to Karl Tabouret, who once again demonstrated his unpredictability. After finishing outside the top ten in his two previous starts in Notschrei, the Frenchman secured his second podium of the season. Benjamin Daviet moved into the lead of the overall World Cup standings despite finishing sixth.

Team China’s third victory of the day came in the women’s standing category through Zhiqing Zhao. Despite one missed shot, the 28-year-old managed to overhaul a flawless Natalie Wilkie. After the second shooting bout, the gap between the two was just one second, before Zhao pulled clear to win by seven seconds. Brittany Hudak finished third, one minute and 24 seconds behind.

In the final category of the day, the hosts drew level with China at three victories apiece. Lennart Volkert secured his second win of the season in the men’s race, followed by Johanna Recktenwald, who also claimed her second victory of the winter. Both athletes now lead their respective overall World Cup standings and, with three races remaining, have emerged as the favourites for the Crystal Globe.

The IBU Para Biathlon World Cup season will conclude in Jakuszyce, where the final competitions are scheduled to take place from January 19 to 25.

Photos: Reichert | IBU