November 30, 2013 (Ostersund, Sweden) – The US Biathnlon team’s Tim Burke landed on the podium in third today’s 10km sprint in Ostersund with clean shooting at 31.3 seconds behind winner Martin Fourcade (FRA) who made it 2-for-2 in Sweden with one penalty. Local favourite Fredrick Lindstroem (SWE), who also shot clean, finished second despite a fall in the last kilometer of the race which likely cost him the win.

Men's Sprint final podium (l-r) Lindstroem 2nd, Fourcade 1st, Burke 3rd. © US Biathlon/NordicFocus

Burke from Paul Smiths, NY was leading through the early stages of the race, was not able to hold off Fourcade and Lindstrom but Fourcade fumbled with a penalty in standing while Lindström shot clean to take the lead. When Lindstroem fell with just over 1km to go Fourcade was ready and scored his second victory in Ostersund.

“I am very happy with my performance today, especially the shooting,” said Burke. “My goal going into the race today was to be aggressive on the shooting range and I was able to carry that through. I was actually a little surprised to make it to the podium today with how I felt skiing. I felt like I started the race strong, but it was really tough for me in the last lap. I definitely still need some more races to reach my racing shape, so considering that I am thrilled with how things turned out. Now I am looking forward to an exciting pursuit tomorrow!”

Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) finished 14th with one penalty followed by Canada’s Scott Perras from Regina in 34th also suffering one penalty. Further back was Leif Nordgren (Marine, MN) in 41st (1+0), Calgary’s Nathan Smith was 45th (1+0), Jean-Philippe Le Guellec, of Shannon, Que., was 69th (2+2), Jeremy Teela (Heber City, UT) was 87th (0+4), and Sean Doherty (Center Conway, NH) finished 89th (1+2).

“I’m happy with the race today,” said Bailey, “Of course, I would have like to hit that last prone shot, but there are always a lot of “what if’s” in biathlon. I’m happy that my ski speed improved from the first race and I’m in a good position for the pursuit tomorrow.”

Full results here.

With files from US Biathlon and Biathlon Canada