Biathlon World Cup 1 (2015-2016) - Men's Pursuit Race

BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2015-2016 (Week 1) - Men's 12,5km Pursuit Race 06.12.2015, Ostersund Fourcade Wire-to-Wire in Pursuit Victory Blazing Skis Martin Fourcade of France literally buried the field in the men's 12.5K pursuit to claim victory in 31:22.4, despite three penalties and easing back in the final kilometer when victory was assured. His wire-to-wire win left second place Arnd Peiffer 35.1 seconds back with a single penalty. Third went to Fourcade's teammate, Quentin Fillon Maillet, with two penalties, 55.2 seconds back. Tarjei Boe of Norway, with a fast last loop moved up to fourth, with two penalties, 56.9 seconds back. His teammate, Emil Hegle Svendsen finished fifth, with three penalties, 59 seconds back. Sixth went to Benedikt Doll of Germany, also with three penalties, 1:01.6 back. The bad weather of Saturday gave way to clear skies today; a big relief for everyone that made shooting conditions, for the first time this week, almost perfect. As Fourcade said, "It was a wonderful day in Östersund." Martin in Control Fourcade was in control from the start with his 52 second lead out of the start. He added to this with a fast first 2.5K, but missed one prone shot and the lead dropped to 45 seconds, with Björndalen and Peiffer following. The second prone stage changed everything for the group behind Fourcade. Doll and Fillon Maillet remained clean to move into second and third while Fourcade cleaned. His lead stretched to 53 seconds. In the first standing, the leader again missed another shot, but this made no difference as the lead went up to 1:16 over Peiffer now in second after a clean first standing. Fillon Maillet stayed in third, another 7 seconds back after his first penalty of the day. Svendsen, Doll and Smith left after him within striking distance of the podium. Fourcade had another penalty in the final standing but it was of little consequence, as he had 1:06 on the field as he headed out for the final 2.5K. Peiffer cleaned the last stage to retain second position, followed by Fillon Maillet. Not As Easy As It Looks Even though his effort looked easy, Fourcade admitted, "It was not easy, it was a competition against me. I am happy that I have done this before and have that experience, because it is not easy to do this. I felt good on ski and shooting range; it was small mistakes when I missed those shots. After the first prone, I was confident." Never Before Christmas Peiffer amazed even himself with his two podiums this weekend. "I have never been on the podium before Christmas, so I am very happy and surprised. The shooting was very good here and that makes me very happy...I had not thoughts of challenging Martin. I saw him from the top of the hill, maybe 1:30; I was just fighting the guys around me...I am not in the best shape, so that is where I can improve." Very Happy Fillon Maillet after two fourth places and now a third was thrilled with his start to the season. "I am really surprised with the three races here. Last year, I never was close to this level...I have worked very hard and very happy with the start of the season".