January 20, 2012 (Antholz-Anterselva, ITA) – Sweden’s Fredrik Lindstrom took full advantage of the ideal racing conditions with fresh snow and little wind to claim win his first ever IBU World Cup race on Friday with clean shooting. The USA’s Tim Burke had a strong showing as the top North American missing two shots on his way to 12th.

Second place on the podium went to Russia’s Evgeniy Garanichev while France’s Martin Fourcade rounded out the final podium spot in 3rd. Lindstrom’s previous best result was 5th in Oberhof, Germany earlier this season.

“To be on top today, you needed both fast skis or good shooting,”  exclaimed an elated 22-year-old Lindstrom on Biathlonworld.com. “I had a great feeling on the track today, and of course with clean shooting it was a top performance from me”.

US biathlete Jay Hakkinen followed Burke in 22nd with Canada’s Jean Philippe Leguellec in 27th, Scott Perras in 29th, and Brendan Green in 34th spot.  Lowell Bailey (USA) place 36th while Russell Currier was 43rd.  Rounding out the North Americans was Canada’s Nathan Smith in 47th and USA’s Dusan Simocko in 79th place.

Next up for the Antholz World Cup is the men’s & women’s mass start events, along with the men’s and women’s relay.

Full results HERE.