BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2016 (stage 6) - Men's Relay (4x7,5km Team Race)
24.01.2016, Antholz
Shipulin Leads Russian Men to Relay Win
Outsprints Schempp
The Russian team of Maxim Tsvetkov, Evgeniy Garanichev, Dmitry Malyshko and Anton Shipulin won the men's relay in the closing competition today at Antholz with seven spare rounds, in 1:12:24.8. Shipulin pulled away from Germany's Simon Schempp in the last loop for a one second win. Germany had a penalty and four spares finished second. Norway finished third, with seven spares, 22.9 seconds back.
Austria finished fourth, 1:01.7 back with France in fifth, 1:39.3 back and the USA in sixth, 1:43.7 back.
Enthusiasm and Erik Lesser
The weather and the enthusiastic crowds hung around for this final competition off the week. Erik Lesser had a superb first leg, giving Germany the lead at the exchange, with Slovenia and Italy following. In the second leg, initially it seemed that Benedikt Doll would do the same with a fast prone that put him ahead of Italy's Lukas Hofer going into the standing stage. In standing, Hofer used just a single spare round, thrilling the Italian fans, while Doll took a tour of the penalty loop. Evgeniy Garanichev also used a single spare to move into second position at the exchange, with the Swiss, Norwegians and Germans still in contention.
Johannes!
Now the competition started as Johannes Thingnes Boe took the lead after a prone disaster, four penalties took them out of the picture. The Swiss were now in second with Russia and Germany just 20 seconds back. Johannes then took control, skiing ever faster as he headed to the standing stage. His five quick shots hit the target and he was gone before anyone else shot; Malyshko and Peiffer did the same but were almost 20 seconds back with little hope of moving up against the speedy Norwegian.
Norway Falters, Russia Surges
As Johannes tagged Bjoentegaard, the lead had grown to 29 seconds over Russia and Germany. His two spares cut into the lead over Schempp which had fallen to 6 seconds and Shipulin was now 15 seconds back. In the final standing, Shipulin and Schempp cleaned with Shipulin going out first while the Norwegian used two spare rounds falling back to third. Shipulin and Schempp battled on the last loop, but Shipulin proved stronger giving Russia the win.
Believe in the Team
Shipulin commented on the battle with Schempp. "Simon is a strong athlete, but today I was stronger and it was about tactics in the stadium!" As for the team plan, Garanichev said, "We really did not have a team meeting; we just knew that we all had to do our job today." Shipulin added, "I just believe in our team."
Perfect Job
Peiffer said he was personally with his effort today. "Simon did a perfect job on the range and on the skis, so we are happy with second, our best result of the year. Overall, our shooting has improved."
Emil and Tarjei
Johannes said, "I was hoping we could make the podium even though we had to substitute for Emil and Tarjei." As for his missing teammates, he added, "Emil and Tarjei were married today and went on vacation!"