Giacomel stuns the field: wins the men’s mass start in Le Grand-Bornand

Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel produced a superb performance to win the men’s mass start at the IBU World Cup stop in Le Grand-Bornand (near Annecy, France). The Trentino native controlled the race and crossed the line first, ahead of home favorite Éric Perrot and Norway’s Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen.

Giacomel described the triumph as “fantastic,” admitting he could hardly believe it. The victory capped a strong Italian weekend and delighted the large French crowd in the Haute-Savoie venue.

In the women’s mass start, Norway’s Maren Kirkeeide claimed the win. Among the Italians, Rebecca Passler finished 11th, while Dorothea Wierer, looking fatigued, placed 27th. Lisa Vittozzi did not feature due to illness.

The results came from the Le Grand-Bornand leg of the IBU Biathlon World Cup, one of the most popular stops on the calendar, renowned for its electric atmosphere and packed grandstands.