France’s Lou Jeanmonnot took control of the competition with her clean prone stage, then added another perfect five standing shots, anchoring France to victory in this afternoon’s Oestersund Mixed Relay, a day after leading the French Women’s Relay to first place. Jeanmonnot and teammates Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Eric Perrot, and Emilien Jacquelin used six spare rounds in their 1:05:16.5 triumph today.

“Just enjoyed the whole race”

After anchoring her team to victory for the second consecutive day, Jeanmonnot said, “I am really happy with my race today. My standing shooting was the thing I wanted to improve. It was not perfect but I am proud of it. My team made a good job so I just enjoyed the whole race.”

“I can’t wait for the individuals”

She stressed that winning relays was good for the general confidence but not the same as the upcoming individual competitions. “It is different from the individual that is coming. It is a different type of shooting but it’s (winning) the best way to start the season. I can’t wait for the individuals!”

Italy, anchored by Lisa Vittozzi finished second, with eight spares, 25.2 seconds back. Norway, with a penalty and seven spares finished third, 1:05.3 back.

Finland, with a penalty and nine spares finished fourth, 1:45.8 back, their best-ever World Cup mixed relay result. The Finns edged Czechia with five spares, by .3 seconds. The USA with twelve spares completed the Flower Ceremony, 1:54 back.

Italy Leads after First Leg

Finland led the field of 23 teams out of the first men’s prone stage; 11 teams went 5-for-5. After the first standing, Germany’s Justus Strelow led the pack heading to the first exchange but was overtaken by Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel who tagged Lukas Hofer a half-step in front of Perrot and Norway’s Johan-Olav Botn. Hofer cleaned prone retaining 5 seconds over Perrot. The USA’s Campbell Wright and Hofer cleaned standing simultaneously with Perrot and Botn hot on their heels leaving the range.

Wright and Botn battled to the tag with Karoline Offigstad Knotten getting away a step in front of the USA, followed by Dorothea Wierer and Braisaz-Bouchet. Wierer shot fast and clean in prone as expected, taking a small lead over Knotten who matched, 6 seconds back. The leading group used spares to clean standing; Knotten got away 1 and 4 seconds before Braisaz-Bouchet and Wierer, respectively.

Jeanmonnot Takes Charge

Knotten tagged Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold a half stride in front of Jeanmonnot as Vittozzi skied out with a 10-second deficit. Jeanmonnot and Vittozzi cleaned prone separated by 5 seconds with Tandrevold 8 seconds back.

Jeanmonnot mowed down her five standing targets, leaving with an insurmountable 21 seconds over Vittozzi who fumbled loading with her single spare round. Tandrevold went to the penalty loop, but retained third place.

Competitions resume on Tuesday with the Women’s 15 km Individual; at 15:30 CET.

Photos: IBU/Per Danielsson, Christian Manzoni, Nordic Focus