The Le Grand Bornand Biathlon World Cup Mass Starts saw exciting performances from both established and up-and-coming athletes, culminating in memorable achievements for several competitors. The competition occurred under wet and challenging conditions, adding extra difficulty to the already demanding sport.
Norwegian biathlete Tarjei Bø claimed the victory in the men's mass start, demonstrating his formidable skills. The 36-year-old, who had struggled earlier this season, rebounded impressively, finishing with an 11-second lead over German Danilo Riethmüller, who celebrated his first-ever podium finish. Riethmüller, who shot only once wide of the mark, showcased his potential by defending his position against the likes of his fellow countrymen, Johannes Thingnes Bø and Sturla Holm Lægreid.
“I was shaking a bit because I knew Johannes was behind me,” Riethmüller stated after the race. “But I managed to stay focused during the shooting. Thanks to my coach, Uroš Velepec, for always supporting me through my mistakes.” His performance, which earned him the red jersey as the leader of the mass start standings, capped off what has been the best phase of his short career.
Meanwhile, the women's race was dominated by the German team. Selina Grotian, just 20 years old, achieved her first World Cup victory, finishing 12.7 seconds ahead of teammate Franziska Preuß. Grotian's triumph marked the first German double victory since March 2020—an incredible feat for the team.
“I’m so thrilled to win today,” Grotian exclaimed. Despite completing the race with one penalty round, she managed to hold off Preuß, who had previously been victorious in the pursuit race earlier this week. While Preuß maintained her lead overall, she acknowledged the fierce competition from her teammate.
The race took place under grim weather conditions, which included heavy rain and stronger winds as the start time approached. Yet, as soon as the competitors hit the track, the weather eased, allowing racers to focus on their performance. Bø, who had been labeled the “worst Norwegian” due to previous results, found his way back to form just when it mattered most.
Bø’s strategy throughout the race was evident; he expertly navigated through the tracks and managed to remain calm on the shooting range. His only mistake came during the final round where he had to take one penalty shot; yet, it didn’t deter him from crossing the finish line first. “I understand why I was replaced for the sprint and pursuit. This week, I took time to reset my mind and body, and it has clearly paid off,” Bø expressed during his interview.
Despite having faced last-minute changes to their roster, the German team showcased their strength. Grotian and Preuß were the only representatives, following the health-related withdrawals of teammates Vanessa Voigt and Julia Tannheimer. They contributed to Germany's impressive podium count this season, now standing at nine, with celebrated performances from both athletes and promising prospects for the future.
Reflecting on the day’s events, Riethmüller and Grotian both indicated their ambitions for upcoming races, indicating their hopes for continued success as the Biathlon World Cup progresses. “This season has only just begun, and I’m excited to see what more we can achieve,” Riethmüller said.
The event wraps up the first segment of the biathlon season before the athletes head to Oberhof and Ruhpolding, Germany, for more intense competitions. Fans and supporters are eager for these young biathletes to maintain their current momentum as they push toward future victories.
Le Grand Bornand has proven to be both demanding and rewarding, serving as the backdrop for exciting triumphs and important milestones for these athletes. The results not only highlight individual accomplishments but also underline the strength and unity within the teams as they strive for excellence on the world stage.
