December 04, 2016 (Oestersund, Sweden) – Gabriela Koukalova of Czech Republic took home her first victory this season at Oestersund winning the women’s 10km pursuit with one penalty in the first standing stage. Germany’s Laura Dahlmeier challenged on the last loop, but finished  second at 8.4 seconds back with two penalties. Third went to Italy’s clean-shooting  Dorothea Wierer, 21.4 seconds back, moving up from 19th at the start.

The USA’s Susan Dunklee climbed five places to finish 22nd despite suffering five penalities on the range at 2:55 back. Clare Egan also moved up a whopping 14 places to claim 30th with 17 for 20 in shooting at 3:35 behind, while and Joanne Reid climbed six places, hitting 16 of 20 targets at 4:59 back. The lone Canadian Julia Ransom finished 58th with eight missed targets.

“Prone was a struggle for me today but luckily I had plenty of people around me and could keep my head in the race,” said Dunklee. “Our women all moved up a few positions and we look forward to seeing more sunshine next week in Slovenia.”

Koukalová cleaned the first prone, taking the lead, which she never relinquished as Dahlmeier, Hauser and Mäkäräinen followed. In the second prone stage,  Koukalová cleaned again, while Dahlmeier and Mäkäräinen each picked up a penalty. That gave Koukalová almost a 30-second lead, but Dahlmeier kept the pressure on with her fast skiing.

“Having not so expectations, it was easier for me to start this season. I will do my best. I am very happy about a beginning like this,” Koukalova told Biathlonworld.com.

Results here.