Julia Simon of France captured gold in today’s biathlon pursuit race, held at Roland Arena in Lenzerheide, Switzerland. Fellow countrywoman Lou Jeanmonnot secured the silver medal, while a surprising performance saw Lora Hristova of Bulgaria claim the bronze.
The race, started at 12:05 local time, saw Franziska Preuß of Germany ultimately finish first with a winning time of 26:58.9. Elvira Öberg of Sweden finished second, 39.1 seconds behind, and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet of France took third, trailing by 40.9 seconds.
The competition featured 60 athletes from 21 nations. The event marks a significant moment in the Biathlon World Championships 2025 schedule, following the individual and sprint races for both men and women.
Hristova’s bronze medal was a particularly noteworthy result, as she finished with a clean shooting record – zero penalties – and a final time of 29:48.2, 2:49.3 seconds off the pace of Preuß. This performance represents a career highlight for the Bulgarian biathlete.
Several other athletes put in strong performances. Lou Jeanmonnot, despite two penalties, finished fourth with a time of 28:01.1, just over a minute behind the leader. Lena Häcki-Groß of Switzerland finished fifth, while Suvi Minkkinen of Finland secured sixth place.
The race also saw notable performances from Swedish athletes, with Anna Magnusson finishing seventh and Ella Halvarsson ninth. Selina Grotian of Germany and Hanna Öberg of Sweden rounded out the top ten.
France demonstrated its strength in biathlon, with three athletes – Braisaz-Bouchet, Jeanmonnot, and Julia Simon – finishing within the top twelve. Océane Michelon also contributed a strong showing for the French team, finishing thirteenth.
The competition wasn’t without its challenges for some of the favorites. Julia Simon, despite ultimately finishing twelfth, incurred six penalties throughout the race.
The event also saw participation from athletes representing Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Norway, and Estonia, showcasing the international scope of the Biathlon World Championships. Lotte Lie of Belgium achieved a commendable fourteenth-place finish with a flawless shooting record.
Looking ahead, the Biathlon World Championships 2025 will continue with the men’s pursuit race, followed by mass start and relay events. The championships are serving as a key proving ground for athletes aiming to compete at the Olympic Winter Games.
The upcoming Olympic Winter Games are already generating excitement, with the biathlon events expected to be among the most closely watched competitions. The recent performances in Lenzerheide suggest a highly competitive field, with athletes from several nations vying for medals.
The championships also mark a significant moment for some athletes’ careers. Franziska Preuß has announced that she will retire after the 2025-2026 season, making this year’s competition particularly meaningful for the German biathlete.
The event also provided an opportunity for fans to engage with the sport through various platforms, including live streaming and social media. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) continues to promote the sport and engage with fans worldwide.
The competition in Lenzerheide highlighted the demanding nature of biathlon, requiring athletes to excel in both skiing and shooting. The ability to maintain composure and accuracy under pressure is crucial for success in this challenging sport.
The Biathlon World Championships 2025 are proving to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the talent and dedication of biathletes from around the globe. As the championships progress, fans can expect more exciting races and memorable performances.
