January 15, 2012 (Nove Mesto, Czech Republic) – Light wind and mild temperatures meant conditions were more agreeable for Sunday’s 10/12.5km women’s and men’s IBU WCup pursuits after challenging conditions in the week’s earlier competitions in Nove Mesto. Tora Berger (NOR) and Anton Shipulin (RUS) both showed resilience as they pulled away from their rivals later in their respective races to capture gold medals.

In the women’s competition, Olga Zaitseva (RUS) led the start, shooting clean in the first round. Berger trailed slightly, but also managed to avoid penalties and reeled in the Russian. The remaining race saw many exciting changes in race order, with Magdalena Neuner (GER), Marie Laurie Brunet (FRA), Helena Ekholm (SWE) all taking turns in the lead, but it was Berger who came out ahead when it counted across the finish line, despite three shooting penalties. Ekholm was forced to settle for second and a clean shooting record, with Brunet third.

Zina Kocher (CAN) was the top North American in 30th spot, with five penalties and trailing by +4:29.7. The USA’s Sara Studebaker finished 42nd followed closely by Canuck Megan Imrie in 43rd, with American Annalies Cook in 55th. US Biathlon’s Susan Dunklee did not start due to illness.

Men’s Race
Despite starting slower in the men’s race, Shipulin’s clean shooting allowed him to take the lead after top three, Emil Hegle Svendsen (NOR), Martin Fourcade (FRA), and Simon Fourcade (FRA), all racked up penalties in the shooting stage,.

It was Shipulin’s nearly flawless shooting that bolstered his advantage. He only missed one shot, while eventual second place finishers in a tie, Martin Fourcade and Arnd Pfeiffer (GER) each had three penalties and trailed by +11.1.

The top North American man was Tim Burke (USA) in 16th spot. He finished off with five penalties at +1:49.2 back. Lowell Bailey (USA) was not far behind in 18th place, +1:56.5 behind and only three penalties. Canada’s Brendan Green finished 20th with only one penalty and trailing by +2:07.2. Jay Hakkinen (USA) was 27th, Russell Currier (USA) 35th, and Scott Perras (CAN) 47th. Jean Philippe Leguellec (CAN) did not finish.

Women’s results HERE.
Men’s results HERE.