Kirkeeide achieves sensational podium finish after rifle trouble

Kirkeeide achieves sensational podium finish after rifle trouble

Maren Kirkeeide took a remarkably strong second place in the sprint at Oberhof. The Markane biathlete had never stood on a World Cup podium individually before.

Kirkeeide missed one shot while lying down but hit all targets during the standing shooting. A strong final lap propelled her into the podium battle.

"I'm feeling very good. I don't think I fully understand what has just happened, honestly. I felt good on the track and had really good skis. I always had the leader right in front of me on the course, so it was nice to have someone to chase," Kirkeeide told TV 2.

Due to luggage trouble, it seemed she would have to manage without her standard rifle, but it arrived just an hour before departing for the stadium.

Kirkeeide's career-best in the World Cup prior was a fifth place achieved in the pursuit race in Annecy just before Christmas. Just a month later, she could celebrate again.

"I was a bit under the weather after France, so I took a few days completely off. After that, I have trained well and laid out a solid plan heading into this race," she said.

Shock Victory The Norwegian girl finished only behind French athlete Paula Botet, who achieved a very surprising victory. The race in Oberhof marked Botet's first World Cup win since the season ending in Holmenkollen in March 2023, where she placed 21st.

"I can't believe it," Botet said.

The last podium spot went to Bulgarian Milena Todorova. On Saturday, a pursuit race will take place based on Thursday's results.

Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold competed in her first World Cup race since Kontiolahti at the start of December, where she faced heart rhythm troubles and had to take a break. Since then, she underwent a procedure to destroy an extra electrical pathway that can cause rhythm disturbances.

Thursday saw her scoring two misses in standing shooting after a flawless initial shooting. She finished in 15th place.

"It felt incredible to be able to race already," Tandrevold told TV 2.

There was heavy rain in Oberhof on Thursday. Additionally, the range faced significant wind, making shooting conditions tough.

Missed Shots Karoline Knotten missed once while lying and twice during standing shooting. The Vingrom skier claimed third place in Hochfilzen sprint before Christmas but finished 21st on Thursday.

Gro Randby shot perfectly while lying down, but like Tandrevold, had two misses in standing shooting, finishing in 24th place.

Ida Lien performed best among the Norwegians after the first shooting. However, she shot herself out of contention with three misses during the standing shooting, ending up 26th.

Juni Arnekleiv did not start due to illness.

After Saturday's pursuit race, a team relay and mixed relay are scheduled for Sunday. The team lineup for those events is still to be determined.