Biathlon | “It’s one of the best races I’ve ever done in my career” : Elvira Oeberg started thirty-seventh and claimed a podium finish after a fantastic comeback in the Oberhof pursuit.

Biathlon : Elvira Oeberg back on the podium after a crazy comeback

Elvira Oeberg hadn’t enjoyed a podium finish in the biathlon world cup since 8 December, when she won the mass start in Kontiolahti (Finland). This Saturday, in the pursuit of the fourth stage of the season in Oberhof (Germany), the Swede set the record straight.

And the 25-year-old biathlete didn’t do it just any old way. Only thirty-seventh in the opening sprint, where she had an ordeal in front of the targets, missing five bullets, the Scandinavian started this lunchtime more than 2 minutes and 20 seconds behind the leaders.

However, once again able to rely on her excellent form on skis, the young woman achieved the unthinkable. Gaining precious places with a 15/15 after three shots, she was back in contact with the leaders going into the last shot of the day.

Despite a single fault behind the rifle, Elvira Oeberg got back on the right track. This was followed by a high-flying performance on the boards, which enabled her to isolate herself and secure third place on the day: “This is one of the best races I’ve done in my career”, she congratulated herself to SVT Sport after the finish.

A return to the front ranks that the Olympic relay champion had been looking forward to after more difficult weeks on the circuit. “The biathlon hasn’t been much fun over the last few days. It’s hard to understand what I did today,” she admitted, still surprised by her XXL performance. I felt strong and I made the most of it.

Read also

• Oberhof: Lou Jeanmonnot triumphs in the pursuit, flowers for Océane Michelon and Jeanne Richard

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