Martin Fourcade begins year with victory

The six-time Crystal Globe winner claimed his third victory of the season after a flawless 10 out of 10 shooting display in the fourth round of the World Cup.

Fourcade claimed the 66th victory of his career amid bad conditions in Germany – The Frenchman has now made the podium nine times in nine races in a superb show of consistency.

"I had a perfect day at the shooting range, but I did not pick the perfect skis," said Fourcade.

"It was not too hard to shoot clean today; the wind was challenging but not as bad as yesterday for the women."

Norwegian Emil Hegle Svendsen finished second and was 8.1 seconds behind, whilst compatriot Johannes Thingnes Boe finished 10.2s behind Fourcade to claim third.

Boe never looked like winning the race having received two errors with the rifle, but gave an impressive display on the skis to make the podium.

Boe, already a five-stage winner of the World Cup, has been Fourcade’s main rival this season but is now 32 points behind in the overall standings, with the two set to meet again on Saturday in the pursuit.