March 16, 2012 (Khanty-Mansiysk, RUS) – North American biathletes, both men and women, had terrific results on Friday at the 7.5km/10km Sprint competition with multiple top ten finishes.  Leading the way in the men’s 10km race was the USA’s Tim Burke just off the podium in 4th with Canada’s Jean Philippe Leguellec in 8th. Following in the wake of his victories at the IBU Worlds in Rhupholding, Germany, was France’s Martin Fourcade adding another gold to his resume.

American Burke posted a time of 27:03.6 with one shooting penalty to finish 23 seconds behind the Frenchman. “I am very happy with my race today.  I felt that I was still in good shape after World Championships and I have always liked the tracks here in Russia,” Burke told SkiTrax.  “I think the course suits my strengths well with lots of gradual climbing and little recovery.”

In the women’s 7.5km Sprint Canadian Zina Kocher grabbed 9th while American Susan Dunklee was back on form in 10th place.  Gemany’s Magdalena Neuner rebounded after a lacklustre IBU Worlds to claim the victory in the women’s event.

Canadian Kocher, finished 1:02.4 behind Neuner with a time of 23:13.9, despite suffering two shooting penalties in standing. “I just felt awesome skiing today,” said Kocher. “I had so much to give and was able to really fight hard on the steep climbs here. I was relaxed but ready to go for the last sprint of the year.”

Women’s 7.5km Sprint results HERE.
Men’s 10km Sprint results HERE.