Maiden Biathlon victory leaves Doll speechless

The German could hardly believe what had happened when he crossed the line just 0.7 seconds ahead of Johannes Thingnes Bo, who himself delivered an almost faultless performance in Austria.

But while he had been leading until the closing stages, the 23-year-old succumbed in the closing stages to Doll, while Martin Fourcade of France crossed the line in third.

But the day undoubtedly belonged to Doll, taking his first ever victory in major competition after arresting a disappointing standing shoot which had previously plagued his efforts.

"It's the crowning thing to be at the top, it's nice to have it all the way up, that's just the perfect race," said Doll after winning the race in 23:27.4.

"This is the hammer, it was a perfect race. What a cool day. I did not care if I were the first or second.

"I had really good feeling in zeroing, especially in standing, I knew I had to try today. In standing, after the first hit target I thought 'if I hit them all, I will become a World Champion', and I did!"

It was the third medal in three races for Germany in in Hochfilzen, while there was also success for Lowell Bailey of the USA with one of the best performances of his career, a step from the podium in fourth 29.5 seconds behind Doll.

Sportsbeat 2017