Big surprise at the start of the busy Summer Tour in La Féclaz, France. In the women’s sprint race, it wasn’t the overwhelming favorite who came out on top, but quite surprisingly, DSV runner Mareike Braun. Third place also went to a biathlete from the German camp.
Two German biathletes made a big statement at the start of the Summer Tour in La Féclaz, France, and achieved a sensational run onto the podium in the women’s sprint race.
The big surprise of the day came from 25-year-old Mareike Braun, who prevailed in a dramatic finish against Olympic champion and top favorite Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and ran to victory. In the end, her lead over the French world-class biathlete was 0.7 seconds.
The decision was made in the standing stage, to which Braisaz-Bouchet came in as the leader. After three missed shots, she put in a splendid final round, but Braun (two errors) was no longer able to catch her.
DSV biathlete on the podium thanks to zero missed shots
The second sensation of the day was also caused by a German starter, Julia Vogler. The 23-year-old showed an impeccable performance at the shooting range, did not miss a shot in all of her ten attempts and took home third place. After the prone stage she was even in the lead for a while. She was just over four seconds shy of first place at the finish.
The Summer Tour in La Féclaz has been one of the big highlights of French season preparation for many years. The starting fields are accordingly prominently occupied. This year, however, those responsible’s plans are thwarted by the LOOP ONE Festival in Munich. France is there with a large contingent.
With the permission of those responsible, Braisaz-Bouchet had already said goodbye to the French national team a few days ago in order to get the finishing touches for the Olympic season on her own near her home and her family.