Pursuit in Annecy: Botn wins again as Germany laments shooting woes

Norway’s Johan‑Olav Botn won the men’s pursuit at the Biathlon World Cup stop in Annecy/Le Grand‑Bornand, tightening his grip on the overall World Cup lead. After a sprint decided by tiny margins the day before, the pursuit also turned into a thriller decided on the range.

On the final shooting, Botn held his nerve better than compatriot Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal. Dale‑Skjevdal incurred two penalties and was also passed by France’s Emilien Jacquelin, who took second place. Botn’s composed close drew comparisons to recently retired dominator Johannes Thingnes Bø, known for sealing victories on the last visit to the range.

Official result (top three): 1) Johan‑Olav Botn (NOR) 2) Emilien Jacquelin (FRA) +17.6 3) Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal (NOR) +17.9

Friday’s sprint winner Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen (NOR) finished seventh. Germany’s best result came from Philipp Nawrath in 10th, while Justus Strelow, solidly in the top ten until the last shooting, dropped to 23rd after two misses there. Despite unseasonably warm, soft snow, the German team reported fast skis and praised their technicians, but continued to suffer from too many shooting errors overall.

The article is part of Sportschau’s coverage from Annecy/Le Grand‑Bornand, including links to full results, live tickers, and video summaries from the weekend’s races.