Biathlon: Vitalii Mandzyn, the surprise guest
While the treble achieved by Norway’s Endre Stroemsheim, Johannes Thingnes Boe and Sturla Holm Laegreid in the individual short race at the biathlon world cup in Kontiolahti (Finland) was impressive, Ukrainian Vitalii Mandzyn’s fourth place also made a lasting impression.
The 21-year-old’s best World Cup result to date was thirty-first place in the sprint in Oberhof (Germany) in February. With this ranking, achieved three weeks after a resounding victory over the Swedish stars during the pre-season in Idre Fjäll (Sweden), the native of Ternopil (Ukraine) surprised many.
Author of 20/20 on the shooting range, he bounced back magnificently two days after turning on the penalty ring during the relay. However, Vitalii Mandzyn ‘s shooting attempts were not ideal.
“I had trouble getting into the swing of things, I was a bit disorganised, he explained to Suspline Sport. I found it hard to concentrate and I had to pull until the end [of the test] to make sure I was sure of myself.”
Started just ahead of Johannes Thingnes Boe
With this fourth place, Vitalii Mandzyn easily takes the lead in the U23 rankings and will be wearing the blue bib in Friday’s sprint. “I really hope this is just the beginning, he says. I’m working hard and trying to give it my best shot. In fact, this is my first race with four clean shots.”
Starting with bib 65, 30 seconds ahead of Johannes Thingnes Boe, the Ukrainian thought a lot about the moment when the Norwegian star was going to overtake him.
“When he overtook me and maintained a high pace on the course, I realised that I shouldn’t be skiing with him. So I tried to work at my own pace, as I do in individual races, paying attention to each lap. I’m very happy to have managed to achieve such a result,” finally explained Vitalii Mandzyn, the sensation of this first men’s race of the winter.
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