France’s Lou Jeanmonnot shot cautiously in both prone and standing to hit all ten targets for the first time this season, propelling her to a 19:59.4 Hochfilzen Women’s 7.5 km Sprint triumph this afternoon. Jeanmonnot’s win today was her first individual podium this season and first sprint victory since taking the top spot in Antholz last February.

“To win is a good thing!”

Jeanmonnot’s first win of the season, after eight victories last season, was, “relieving, because I was a bit missing confidence about my shooting these last weeks. I am happy to prove to myself that I can shoot clean and ski fast today. To win is a good thing!”

“Keeping the pressure away while staying focused”

Today’s win bumped her into second in the Total Score and took some pressure off the French star who came into the season as one of the favorites for the Yellow Bib. “It takes some of the pressure away, for sure. It was a matter of keeping the pressure away while staying focused on what I want to show. It is a matter of balance and this (victory) is a good way to find the balance.”

Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide, also shot clean in second, her best result of the new season, 15.3 seconds back. Sweden’s clean-shooting Anna Magnusson, after podiums in the sprint and pursuit at her home World Cup last weekend ran her podium streak to three in third place, 16.1 seconds back. That consistency vaulted the 30-year-old Magnusson into the Yellow Bib for the first time in her career after 223 World Cup starts.

Dorothea Wierer, perfect on the range left standing in second, but slowed in the last loop for fourth place, 27.9 seconds back. Switzerland’s Amy Baserga, also 10-for-10 finished with the second best result of her career in fifth, 32.3 seconds back. Jeanmonnot’s teammate Camile Bened, rounded out the top six, with clean shooting, 32.7 seconds back.

Photos: IBU/Walter, Nordic Focus