December 16, 2016 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – American Susan Dunklee is poised to land on the top step of the podium as she delivered another stellar result claiming the bronze on Friday with clean shooting and fast skiing in the women’s 7.5km Sprint in Nove Mesto.

 

Dunklee was just over five seconds from capturing the gold with her best-ever showing at the venue in Nove Mesto. An estimated crowd of around 30,000 were on hand to watch Russia’s Tatiana Akimova claim her first-ever World Cup with clean shooting. Anais Chevalier of France also had a personal best in second place at 4.3 seconds back.

“Nove Mesto is one of my favorite places to race,” said Dunklee. “The stadium crowd roars like thunder and every meter of the course is packed with spectators.”

Starting right behind World Cup leader Laura Dahlmeier of Germany, Dunklee kept pace and eventually passed her after Dahlmeier had two penalties in the standing shoot. Dunklee crossed the line more than 10 seconds ahead of the German to post the fastest time among the first 23 finishers.

“I was psyched to take the lead at the finish and I knew I had had a great race, but experience has taught me not to count on a result holding up until all the racers are in,” said Dunklee.

With Dahlmeier no threat Dunklee’s time looked even more promising when Gabriela Koukalova, the local Czech star, dropped out of contention with three penalties in standing.

But as fate would have it she was not the only one having a superb day at the office in the 96-woman field. Akimova, who was 29th and 30th in the two previous sprints this season, was on fire as was Russia’s Chevalier bumping Dunklee to third.

“It was a bummer to get knocked down two spots but I’m super happy tonight anyway,” stated Dunklee.

Canada’s Julia Ransom was 26th with one penalty at 1:06.5 behind while her teammate Rosanna Crawford finished 37th with two misses at 1:30 back. Fellow Canuck Megan Tandy was 44th, Joanne Reid (USA) placed 52nd, Clare Egan (USA) was 62nd and Emma Lunder finished 82nd.

Saturday’s pursuit race looks to be exciting, with Akimova, Chevalier and Dunklee all starting within five seconds of each other, and Dahlmeier going off the line fourth at 11 seconds behind Dunklee.

“For tomorrow’s pursuit I will focus on my job, which is simply to perform well,” said Dunklee. “We’ll have to wait and see where that will land me.”

Full results here.

With files from US Biathlon