Biathlon news - Sturla Holm Laegreid sets up epic finale with biathlon pursuit win

Sturla Hold Laegreid won the Biatlon World Cup globe in the penultimate race of the season. Norweigan is now just four points behind overall leader Johannes Thingnes Boe with one race left. The 15km mass start will begin on Sunday. Elsewhere, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland emerged victorious in the 10km pursuit.

Sturla Holm Laegreid became only the fourth man to win individual and pursuit Biathlon World Cup globes with victory in the penultimate race of the season in Ostersund, Sweden.

The 24-year-old Norwegian joins Raphael Poiree, Martin Fourcade and Johannes Thingnes Boe in achieving the feat, with his first two World Cup overall titles.

Victory in the 12.5km pursuit today was achieved in a time of 32:40.5, with Thingnes Boe 22.6s behind and Italy's Lukas Hofer third 32.4s back.

Canmore, AB

Highlights: Jeanmonnot wins season-ending 12.5km mass start, Vittozzi claims World Cup title

00:03:01

|

17/03/2024 at 19:24

• Pinturaul celebrates 30th birthday with World Cup titles
• Vlhova wins overall world cup title

And it sets up a tantalising 15km mass start on Sunday, with Laegreid just four points behind Thingnes Boe in the overall classification.

"I did not think I had a chance to take it, because I was third behind Johannes and Jacquelin," Laegreid said.

"I had sort of given up the pursuit globe but I was happily surprised when I can into the finish and heard that I was the winner."

Meanwhile, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland emerged victorious in the 10km pursuit.

Highlights: Laegreid claims World Cup pursuit win in Ostersund

The 30-year-old Norwegian took control after the second prone stage to win in 32:54.8, despite incurring four penalties.

Compatriot and Crystal Globe winner Tiril Eckhoff finished second 29.3s behind with Belarus' Hanna Sola third 44s back.

"I missed this so much," Olsbu Roeiseland said.

"I have not won a race since before Christmas so it was about time.

"It was so good and I am so happy that I made it so close to the end of the season. Tiril has won every race so I was glad to beat her."

Sturla Holm Laegreid wins in Ostersund, beating Boe

Biathlon

Boe clinches fifth Biathlon World Cup crystal globe with dominant victory in Canmore

16/03/2024 at 23:50

Biathlon

Watch highlights as Boe powers to win in men's 12.5km pursuit in Canmore

00:03:01

|

16/03/2024 at 22:49

Biathlon

Boe dominates for win in men's 12.5km pursuit in Canmore

00:01:35

|

16/03/2024 at 22:15