Julia Simon makes it three from three at Biathlon World Championships before Johannes Thingnes Boe opens account

BySportsbeat

Updated 11/02/2024 at 19:30 GMT

The Frenchwoman claimed the women's pursuit and Norway cleaned up in the men's events. She had already won the mixed relay and the sprint world titles in the Czech Republic, and it was the speed of her standing shoot that made the difference this time. In the men's pursuit, there was total domination from Norway, who claimed the first five places - the first time this has ever happened.

Highlights: Simon retains world title with flawless performance in women's 10km pursuit

Julia Simon made it a hat-trick of gold medals at the Biathlon World Championships as she defended her pursuit title in Nove Mesto.

The Frenchwoman had already won the mixed relay and the sprint world titles in the Czech Republic, and it was the speed of her standing shoot that made the difference this time.

Racing alongside compatriot Justine Braisaz-Bouchet for much of the early running, Simon upped the ante on the third visit to the range, rattling through her five shots to put the pressure on her - forcing two mistakes out of Braisaz-Bouchet.

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

From there, Simon was able to open up a huge advantage over the chasing pack, giving her a margin for error on the final shoot.

She did not need it, clearing all five for 19 out of 20 overall as she cruised home.

Italy's Lisa Vittozzi matched Simon's shooting efforts and that was enough to move into the silver medal spot, with Braisaz-Bouchet having to settle for bronze as Sophie Chauveau, another Frenchwoman, fourth for the second race running.

In the men's pursuit, there was total domination from Norway, who claimed the first five places - the first time this has ever happened at the Biathlon World Championships.

Highlights: Thinges Boe retains Biathlon World Championships title in style

After three misses on the two prone shoots, Johannes Thingnes Boe was then flawless on the stand to take victory by 28.7 seconds from sprint champion Sturla Holm Laegreid.

Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen paid the price for three misses on the stand as he finished in third once again despite leading going into the final shoot.

Johannes Dale-Skjevdal and Tarjei Boe made it a 1-2-3-4-5 for the Norwegians, the elder Boe in contention for the win before melting down and missing four targets on the final shoot.

Gold medalist Johannes Thingnes Boe of Norway celebrates after winning the Men's 12.5k Pursuit at the IBU World Championships Biathlon Nove Mesto na Morave

Image credit: Getty Images

- - -

Stream the 2023-24 winter sports season on Eurosport and discovery+.

Biathlon