December 04, 2016 (Oestersund, Sweden) – The USA’s Lowell Bailey was as high as fourth in the men’s 12.5km pursuit cleaning his first three shooting stages, but a heartbreaking two misses in the final shooting stage bumped him back to 15th at the finish. Russia’s Anton Babikov, Rookie of the Year in 2015-16, was all smiles earning his first-ever World Cup victory with one penalty.

Babikov’s teammate, Maxim Tsvetkov, shot clean to finish second at 10.5 seconds back. Third place went to France’s Martin Fourcade, who suffered an uncharacteristic four penalties to finish 15.2 seconds behind the winner.

“The race went well today,” said Bailey who started the day in 13th-place position following Saturday’s sprint. “Happy with the result but wish I could have those first two shots in the last standing back. I just had a momentary lapse for a couple of shots. Other than that, I’m happy with the way the first World Cup races have gone and looking forward to the sun that awaits us in Pokljuka.”

Fourcade started with a 42-seconds advantage, looking for his third consecutive win in Östersund. But trouble came quick with two penalties in the first prone. In the second prone he cleaned with confidence but Babikov and Tsvetkov remained within 6 seconds.

In the first standing Fourcade and Tsvetkov cleaned, while Babikov missed the last shot but skied well to hold onto second. Then Fourcade cracked with two penalties in the final standing and both Russians cleaned. Babikov, 25, took the lead and the victory with Tsvetkov holding off Fourcade for second.

“From the very beginning, I knew that everything could be possible. We were going very close. Before going to Östersund, I was a little worried, it’s always curious to see how well you are prepared for the season,” Babikov told Biathlonworld.com.

Tim Burke, who started the pursuit in 29th position, slipped six places to finish 35th with four misses and a time of 34:01.5. Canada’s Scott Gow was the top Canadian in 47th with three misses with Brendan Green in 50th suffering five missed shots. Macx Davies finished 51st with four penalties.

Bailey’s result earned him 26 World Cup points and moved him up to ninth in the overall World Cup ranking with 80 points. “I have been ranked this high in the past coming out of Ostersund, but I am definitely happy with the solid start to the season.

“You train all season in a bit of a vacuum – just you and your teammates – and there is very little for you compare yourself to. Because of this, the start of the season can be a bit of an unknown. I’m happy to see that my ski times are competitive and that I’m able to reach the podium on a great day.”

Results here.