February 15, 2015 (Oslo, Norway) – The Czech Republic proved unstoppable again claiming their third women’s relay victory this season using five spare rounds with Italy taking 2nd with only two spares at 28.3 seconds back. Third went to France also using five spare rounds at 45.9s behind.

W Czech Team © Nordic Focus

Team Canada delivered a solid 8th place finish with Megan Heinicke, Rosanna Crawford, Audrey Vaillancourt and Sarah Beaudry using eight spare rounds at 2:40.3 behind the winners. US Biathlon’s Hannah Dreissigacker, Annelies Cook, Susan Dunklee and Clare Egan had a tough day on the range suffering six penalties with 15 spares and were lapped.

Megan Heinicke (CAN) © Nordic Focus

Italy took an early lead but Czech star Gabriela Soukalova closed it down as Germany slotted into third. The tables turned as Germany took over the lead but it was short-lived as Miriam Gössner faltered in standing. Soon the Czechs were back in control with Germany chasing and Italy further back.

Veronika Vitkova (CZE) © Nordic Focus

Czech anchor Veronika Vitkova sealed the victory as Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier needed three spares allowing Italy’s Karin Oberhofer to claim second Marie Dorin Habert (FRA) to take third.

Full results here.

W Relay podium © Nordic Focus