Uldal and Auchentaller win Sprint 1 in Arber

Martin Uldal of Norway and Hannah Auchentaller of Italy, both with a perfect shooting score, are the winners of the Sprint 1 at the IBU Cup in Arber.

For both, it was a second win in the IBU Cup.

A day of perfection for Uldal

In a rarely seen display of biathlon's perfection, Martin Uldal of Norway, the fastest shooter and the second fastest skier of the day took Sprint 1 in Arber in 25:59.4. Johan Olav Botn, with two misses in the standing stage, finished second, 48.8 seconds behind Uldal. Isak Frey, with 8/10, completed an all-Norwegian podium with a third place, 1:05.4 behind his teammate.

The Winner’s Words - Martin Uldal

Today was my best biathlon day ever. The whole team had insanely fast skis. I also felt it was time to deliver on the shooting range. I had many days this season when half of the race was on a very high level, the other one less so. Today, everything came together.

Watch the highlights here

An absolute Norwegian domination showed in the fourth place for Mats Oeverby (9/10; 1:20.5 behind Uldal), fifth place for Martin Nevland (7/10; 1:40.5 seconds behind Uldal and sixth place for Vebjoern Soerum (8/10; 1:46.3 behind Uldal).

Botn stayed atop the Total Score standings.

Auchentaller thrives in challenging conditions

Earlier in the day, Hannah Auchentaller of Italy won in the women’s sprint, her second IBU Cup win.. The snow-rain mixture and strong winds made the day challenging for the athletes, but Auchentaller kept her composure intact on the shooting range, clearing all 10 targets. She won in 24:02.6. Emily Aagheim Kalkenberg of Norway, with 8/10 and the fastest skiing time, finished second, 26.6 seconds back. Sara Scattolo, also of Italy, missed one shot and finished third, 29.6 seconds behind Auchentaller for her second IBU Cup podium of the season.

The Winner's Word - Hannah Auchentaller

I am really happy with my performance. It was a fine biathlon with 10 hits and fast skiing. I focused on my tasks and blocked out the challenging conditions. My form is getting better by the day.

Watch the highlights here

Stefanie Scherer of Germany and Noemie Remmonay of France - both with one miss - finished joined-fourth, 32.2 seconds behind the winner. Anna-Karin Heijdenberg of Sweden, with clean sheet, rounded the Flower ceremony in the sixth place, 32.8 seconds behind the winner.

With Ida Lien joining the Norwegian World Championships's team, Jenny Enodd (7th today) retook the lead in the Total Score standings.