Quentin Fillon‑Maillet wins men's 10 km biathlon sprint; Giacomel disappoints, Italians far from the podium

MILANO‑CORTINA — Quentin Fillon‑Maillet won the men's 10 km biathlon sprint at the Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Antholz/Anterselva, adding another Olympic gold to his collection. The Frenchman finished in 22:53.1. Norway took the other podium places: Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen was second (+13.7) and Sturla Holm Laegreid third (+15.9). All of the top five shot cleanly.

After the disappointment of sixth place in the 20 km, Italy's Tommaso Giacomel could not redeem himself and actually did worse than some of his teammates. Giacomel, who started well, missed on the third and fourth shots in the first shooting stage — each miss costs a 150‑metre penalty loop in this format — effectively ending his chances for a medal. He also missed again in the second shooting. He crossed the line 22nd, 1'43" behind the winner, a deficit that will determine his start position for the pursuit.

The Italians' results were disappointing: Lukas Hofer was the top Italian in 13th, debutant Nicola Romanin placed 16th and Elia Zeni finished 62nd.

Race report

The Frenchmen went away as expected early on, with Fillon‑Maillet and Émilien Jacquelin among the leaders. Hofer had a good first shooting stage (though a bit slower on skis, 32"), whereas Eric Perrot suffered a penalty but skied very fast. Conditions were mild with heavy snow. Giacomel started strongly, but his two first‑stage misses ruined his race already at the first shooting. Fillon‑Maillet controlled the race and flew to gold; Jacquelin, recognizable with a Pantani earring and short sleeves, faded late and ended up fourth. The Norwegians recovered well to secure the silver and bronze positions.

What it means

The sprint result will set the start order for the pursuit race on Sunday, with time gaps corresponding to sprint finishes. For Italy it was a setback: after Giacomel's sixth place in the 20 km, today the Azzurri failed to challenge for medals in the sprint.

Notes

– Winner: Quentin Fillon‑Maillet (FRA) 22:53.1 – 2nd: Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen (NOR) +13.7 – 3rd: Sturla Holm Laegreid (NOR) +15.9 – Italians: 13th Lukas Hofer, 16th Nicola Romanin, 22nd Tommaso Giacomel, 62nd Elia Zeni.

Up next

Tomorrow the women's sprint (7.5 km) will be held; Lisa Vittozzi and Dorothea Wierer are among Italy's medal hopefuls.