March 07, 2016  (Oslo, Norway) – Martin Fourcade of France nailed his third straight gold in the men’s 12.5km pursuit as Canada’s Nathan Smith charged to 15th from 46th for a stellar day at the IBU World Championships in Oslo. American Tim Burke was not far behind in 17th delivering another top-20 finish for Team USA.

Nathan Smith (CAN) © Nordic Focus

Despite two penalties on the final standing stage Fourcade was unstoppable as legendary Norwegian, Ole Einar Björndalen, secured the silver with one penalty to delight of Oslo fans. The bronze medal went to Björndalen’s teammate, Emil Hegle Svendsen, with one penalty at 31.2 seconds back.

Fourcade wins ©

“Today was actually a really good race,” said Smith who hammered the pace for the third-fastest ski time on the pursuit course lined with dozens of thousands of passionate Norwegian fans. “I’m super happy with it after the shooting frustration I had yesterday. My physical shape was good enough for a podium yesterday, but four misses set me way back.”

“Today I focused on slowing things down just slightly in the range and being more careful,” added Smith, who is known to be one of the quickest shooters on the international circuit. “I think it paid off well. The conditions were difficult at times.

My pursuit time was fourth overall so I know that a medal is definitely still possible this World Championships. I’ll take tomorrow to rest a little, and then prepare for the individual.”

Tim Burke © Nordic Focus

Burke was also pleased with his result. “Today was another solid race for me, I just wish that I could have that last shooting stage back,” commented Burke. “I felt better on the skis today and I feel like I executed well, besides that last shooting stage. It was fun to be in the mix up front and the crowd seemed even bigger and louder today.”

Fourcade celebrates ©

Fourcade secured his fifth World Cup Total Score title and the big Crystal Globe with his victory today; no other athlete can top him even if he would not compete the rest of the season. He commented with a huge smile, “This is something that I had no doubts about, but winning five years in a row. I never imagined this in my wildest dreams…this is all crazy; the pursuit win and the third Gold medal, 46th World Cup win and the Crystal Globe.”

Canada’s Brendan Green finished just outside the top-30 in 33rd, American Lowell Bailey was 36th with teammate Sean Doherty in 45th, Calgary’s Scott Gow was 49th, Leif Nordgren (USA) was 52nd and Macx Davies, of Canmore, Alta., finished 53rd.

Results here.