Biathlon: Giacomel second in Hochfilzen pursuit behind Perrot; Italian women’s relay struggles

The men’s 12.5 km pursuit in Hochfilzen delivered high drama. Starting from his sprint victory, Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel controlled the early phases in a lead group with France’s Eric Perrot, Germany’s Philipp Horn and Norway’s Johan‑Olav Botn.

After the second prone shooting, it became clear the win would be decided between Giacomel and Perrot. The key moment came on the third shooting stage, where Giacomel missed one target while Perrot shot clean to move into a solo lead. Perrot then held his nerve on the final shooting and skied to victory.

Giacomel prevailed in the fight for second, comfortably holding off overall World Cup leader Botn for the runner‑up spot. The article also notes a difficult day for Italy’s women in the relay, who finished far from the podium.

Event: IBU World Cup, Hochfilzen (Austria). Discipline: Men’s 12.5 km pursuit; also women’s relay referenced.