“Globes” Beau and Wierer, Loginov’s breakthrough, Fourcade and Mäkäräinen farewell: how the Biathlon World Cup ended

Fourcade's last chord and Loginov's breakthrough

On Saturday in Kontiolahti, the pursuit races took place as part of the eighth stage of the Biathlon World Cup. In connection with the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of competitions in Oslo, these races not only passed without spectators, but also became the last in the individual competition. As a result, it was in them that the fate of the Big Crystal Globes was decided. At the same time, the competition among men aroused great interest also for the reason that it was to be the last for Martin Fourcade. On the eve of the Frenchman announced his retirement at the end of the season, which shocked the sports community.

As it turned out, this circumstance only motivated the seven-time winner of the World Cup overall standings, who eventually gained the upper hand and completed his professional career on a high note. Fourcade started second, but was more confident than his main opponent in the person of Johannes Boe and climbed to the first line. In this he was not prevented even by three misses, two of which were allowed at the final stand. The company on the podium was made up of two compatriots - Emilien Jacqueline and Kenten Fillon Maye, and the Norwegian finished only fourth.

“This is a great feeling, I didn’t even dream of such a career end. This is a difficult decision, I like to compete and perform, but now is the time to bring another inspiration to this sport. There is no longer any chance that I will return back, as I promised my daughter. These 10 years were great. The king is dead, long live the king! ” - quotes Fourcade "Match TV".

It is noteworthy that even this success did not help Fourcade to gain the upper hand in the battle for the Big Crystal Globe. Boe Jr. was two points ahead of his counterparts and for the second time in his career he won the title of the best biathlete in the world. And this despite the fact that the Norwegian this race did not work out, and after the first rack, his position was completely deplorable. He shot three times in “milk” and was on the fifth line, which did not guarantee him victory in the overall standings. But later he worked purely at the final frontier and defended the trophy.

“Did you miss the third line especially to give Fourcade a win?” It is impossible to write this story better. I thought that I had already lost the chance for the World Cup and gave stress to the fans. However, the Almighty helped to close five targets at the last shooting, and I'm happy. On the way to the finish, my strength ran out, but I knew that I had won and therefore exhaled, ”Boe admitted.

Four representatives of France and Norway were in the top 10 of the overall World Cup standings, and only Russian Logininov and German Benedict Doll could dilute their hegemony. Moreover, the Russian turned out to be higher, taking seventh place. It is noteworthy that it was on this line that he completed the last race of the season. The world champion in the sprint started only 18th and more than a minute behind the leader, but in the end was able to make an impressive leap. In this he was helped by good shooting (two misses) and more than a decent move. Johannes Boe moved best of all along the highway, and Loginov lost only 24.3 seconds to him and showed the ninth time.

After completing the race, Alexander admitted that he could rise higher, and also assured that he was not going to follow Fourcade's example.

“Today it was possible to compete for prizes with such a wind, but I was a little hasty in shooting. Seventh place is also a positive result. Was this the last race? I did not say that I would finish my career. Thanks to the fans for their support, we try every race and we will try further, ”Loginov said.

After the finish, the Russian talked about something with the legendary Frenchman. At the same time, he refused to tell the media exactly what Fourcade had said, but called his departure “a blow to biathlon”.

In addition to Loginov, other domestic athletes were pleased with their performance. Yevgeny Garanichev did not close just one target and moved from 31st to 15th place, and Said Karimulla Khalili did not make a single mistake at the shooting range. This helped the 21-year-old athlete make a breakthrough in 17 positions and settle in the 25th line. As for Eliseev and Latypov, they will probably want to quickly forget this race. This is especially true for Matvey, who was the best of the Russians in the sprint, but made 11 misses and slipped into the fifth dozen.

At the same time, this day was successful for Nikita Porshnev, who was recognized as the “Rookie of the Year” according to the International Biathlon Union (IBU). The Russian scored 130 points, and his best result was two fourth places in relay races, as well as 11th place in the sprint at the World Championships in Anterselva.

“Getting prizes is always a pleasure ... I have already started preparing for the next season. This title is a big responsibility, you need to train to be stronger, ”the athlete shared his emotions.

One of the greatest biathletes of all time is retiring. A great champion, a phenomenal talent and a true sportsman. Merci @martinfkde. Watch his final race in # KON20 again on https://t.co/MSJYx30KUxpic.twitter.com/GgjGdBjDaT

The departure of Mäkäräinen and the failures of the Russians

Not without sad news and women. Just a few minutes before the start of the pursuit, Kaisa Mäkäräinen announced her retirement from the sport. Finca reported this on her Instagram page, noting that it was at this stadium that she began her professional career in biathlon. She regretted that her farewell to the sport would be held in empty stands, but added that she would like to meet with fans again in the future.

Like Fourcade, Mäkäräinen did not face the last start of her career and managed to break through from 18th to fourth place. Finca made four mistakes and lost only to Lisa Vittozzi, Celine Gasparin and Julia Simon. For the 23-year-old Frenchwoman, this success was the first this season in the individual category. Previously, she excelled only in the mixed relay at the World Cup in Pokljuka.

At the same time, the fate of the Big Crystal Globe was decided in full-time duel Virer and Eckhoff. The Italian failed the sprint and was forced to start from the 19th position, while the Norwegian went the distance third. And taking into account the fact that Dorothea's advantage over the main pursuer was only eight points, the chances of Tiril were quite high. However, she could not cope with the pressure and with six misses became the tenth, only 0.6 seconds ahead of her counterparts. The current winner of the overall standings defended her title and in the second year in a row she became the best biathlete on the planet.

Unlike men, Russian biathletes could not please their personal fans. Only Ekaterina Yurlova-Perkht showed positive dynamics and made her way from 46th to 22nd line. Nevertheless, Larisa Kuklina became the best. The athlete started the seventh and for a long time claimed medals, but two misses at the final stand threw her outside the top 10.

“Shooting is our mistakes, not weather conditions, we need to work with them. There is something to work on, everything is fixable. I am pleased that we are going upstairs in small steps, ”said Kuklina.

At the same time, Mironova and Starykh extremely unsuccessfully ran the race and were only in the top ten. The reason for this was the enormous problems at the firing line, where the athletes made a total of 14 errors. Moreover, if Svetlana actually remained with her, then Irina lost 23 places.

I didn't expect it would happen here in my home stadium. It was a tearful Kaisa Makarainen who retired today at home in # KON20. Watch her final race again on https://t.co/MSJYx30KUxpic.twitter.com/MQKBM5hS0p