March 17, 2012 (Khanty-Mansiysk, RUS) – World Cup leader Martin Fourcade of France looks unstoppable as he claim his second consecutive gold in Khanty-Mansiysk with his win on Saturday in the men’s Pursuit with a time of 34:47.1 and one penalty.  Germany’s Arnd Peiffer was 2nd w/one penality while Norway’s Emil Hegle Svendsen placed 3rd suffering two penalties.

The USA’s Tim Burke was the top North American finisher placing 21st overall.  It was not a finish he was hoping for after some strong results in the last couple of weeks. “My race definitely did not go as planned today. I simply had too many penalties on the shooting range,” Burke told Ski Trax. “As a team we also really struggled with the skis as it snowed quite a bit over night, totally changing the conditions.” Burke’s teammate, Lowell Bailey, finished in 26th spot with a time of 37:36.0 with three penalties.

Canadian Scott Perras was the top Canuck in 33rd, posting a time of 38:11.3 with two penalties.  “It was fun today, but tough,” said Perras. “It snowed throughout the night and it was the snow that didn’t pack down so it made the flats and gradual climbs a real grind.

“This week I really just focused on my shooting and I hope to bring a level of maturity next year that will allow me to capitalize on opportunities in the future.”

Other North American results included Canadian Nathan Smith, who finished in 38th, while American Jay Hakkinen was 40th and Canuck Jean Philippe Le Guellec finished 47th.

Competition from Khanty-Mansiysk continues Saturday with the men’s and
women’s Mass Start events.

Full results HERE.