Kirkeeide wins women’s mass start in Le Grand-Bornand: “A class apart”

Norwegian biathlete Maren Kirkeeide earned her first career World Cup win in the women’s mass start at Le Grand‑Bornand, France. In front of an estimated 30,000 spectators, the 22‑year‑old from Stryn outlasted the French favorites on a gripping final lap.

Kirkeeide incurred a single penalty on the opening shooting but then hit every target on the remaining stages. She left the range after the last shooting in close contention behind France’s Camille Bened, renowned for setting a hard pace, and then launched a decisive push on the final loop to overhaul the leaders.

Lou Jeanmonnot finished second and Justine Braisaz‑Bouchet took third, giving the home crowd two women on the podium. Bened, who led out of the final shooting, slipped to fourth. NRK experts praised Kirkeeide’s speed differential on the last lap, calling it a clear “class difference.”

Exhausted after the finish, Kirkeeide said the victory “means a lot,” admitting she pushed herself to the limit and briefly felt sick in the finish area. Teammates and coaches highlighted her consistent progression and trademark strong final laps, noting they had seen steady steps forward through the training season.

Norway’s Marte Kråkstad Johansen impressed with 19/20 on the range and flirted with a surprise podium before finishing 12th, while Karoline Knotten placed eighth after two misses and lauded Kirkeeide’s performance. Icy, fast conditions made ski handling challenging throughout the morning.

The World Cup now breaks for Christmas, with athletes carrying momentum and confidence from Le Grand‑Bornand into the new year. The women’s 12.5 km mass start is also scheduled as the closing event of the Winter Olympics in Italy in two months’ time.