January 21, 2017 (Antholz, ITA) – Susan Dunklee started strong taking an exciting early lead in the women’s 12.5km Mass Start but suffered five penalties to end up 24th on the day in Antholz, ITA.

Susan Dunklee (USA) © Nordic Focus

Clean-shooting Nadine Horchler of Germany surged up the final hill into the stadium to pass Gabriela Koukalova of Czech Republic for the first podium and victory of her career.

Horchler finished in 36:11.5, 3.1 seconds ahead of teammate Laura Dahlmeier who had three penalties and also passed Koukalova in the final stretch. Koukalova placed third, eight seconds back with two penalties.

Women's podium © Nordic Focus

“It was incredibly satisfying to shoot fast and clean and leave the range in first after the first shooting,” said Dunklee. “I hope to build on that in the future and follow it up with a better shooting percentage. My skiing is not at its sharpest; my body is feeling the strain of the high altitude and the intense race schedule.”

Full results here here.