Having started in the lead following his victory in the sprint on Friday, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland left his opponents no chance on Sunday. Despite two shooting faults, the Norwegian quietly won the pursuit of Oberhof, Germany, ahead of Sweden’s Hanna Oeberg and Belarusian Dzinara Alimbekava. The French achieved a nice group shot, with 4th place for Julia Simon and 5th place for Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet, but narrowly missed the podium.
On Friday, Julia Simon took 2nd place in the sprint, behind Marte Olsbu Roeiseland, leader of the World Cup and in great shape. But two faults during his first lying shot, coupled with a last error on the standing, prevented him from aiming for a top 3. Part 6, Chevalier-Bouchet (a penalty round) was a little more sore on skis. The other tricolors involved, Chloé Chevalier, Anaïs Bescond, Justine Braisaz and Paula Botet finished respectively in 17th, 23rd, 30th and 39th place.
Earlier in the day, Quentin Fillon-Maillet had resounded the Marseillaise in Oberhof, winning in the pursuit. With this success, the Frenchman took back the yellow bib of the World Cup leader from his compatriot Émilien Jacquelin. The next stage of the World Cup will take place in Ruhpolding, also in Germany, from January 13 to 16.
