France’s Julia Simon’s speedy and fast standing stage put the cap on her team’s overwhelming 1:18:21.9 victory in this afternoon’s Oberhof Women’s 4 X 6 km relay. From the moment in the first prone stage, when Lou Jeanmonnot took a big lead and Sweden’s Anna Magnusson banged her rifle, falling out of contention with her French rival, there was no doubt about a French win. Simon, Jeanmonnot, Oceane Michelon and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet used just eight spare rounds on a windy day that saw multiple teams needing more than 15 extra shots.

Norway finished second with one penalty and seven spares, 53,7 seconds back after anchor Maren Kirkeeide outshot Germany’s Franziska Preuss in their standing stage. Germany with a penalty and thirteen spares finished third, 1:28.4 back.

Finland powered by Suvi Minkkinen’s strong anchor leg finished fourth, with three penalties and nine spares, 2:07.7 back. Sweden rebounded from 12th position at the second exchange to finish fifth, with two penalties and sixteen spares, 2:42.8 back. The USA, with nine spares finished sixth, 2:56.9 back.

Photos: IBU/Heilwagen, Nordic Focus