December 18, 2016 (Nove Mesto, CZE) – Gabriela Koukalova of Czech Republic thrilled the home crowd with her victory in the women’s mass start; the first podium for the Czech team this week and Koukalova’s second win of the season. She had a single penalty and a winning time of 34:42.1.

Gabriela Koukalova (CZE) © Nordic Focus

Fast-closing Laura Dahlmeier of Germany finished 3.1 seconds back with two penalties in second place. The bronze medal went to Dorothea Wierer of Italy, with one penalty and 9.7 behind Koukalova.

Dunklee, who was enjoying a fine week with a third place in the sprint and a personal-best fourth place in the pursuit, decided to pull out of the grueling mass start on Sunday morning due to illness.

Women's podium © Nordic Focus

“Unfortunately no mass start for me today,” Dunklee posted on her Twitter account. “Woke up feeling very under the weather. Time to recover and focus on Oberhof!”

The next biathlon action will take place at BMW IBU World Cup 4 in Oberhof, Germany, Jan. 5-8.

Full women’s mass start results are available here.