March 4, 2007 – Frenchman Raphael Poiree is ending his career in fine fashion, taking three gold medals in a row at the Biathlon World Cup, Sunday, in Lahti, Finland. Poiree announced his retirement earlier in the week, then proceeded to win all three men’s races, including Sunday’s pursuit race.

Ottawa’s Robin Clegg was the lone Canadian representing the men. Despite posting three shooting errors, the 29-year-old improved on his 54th-place finish from the sprint, to move into 48th, a little over five minutes behind Poiree’s winning time of 31 minutes 3.79 seconds.

Poiree’s victory marks his 43rd career win, and fifth of the season. The Frenchman shot flawlessly and edged out World Cup point leader, Michael Greis, of Germany, by six seconds. Fellow German, Sven Fischer took the final podium spot, just 0.4 seconds behind his teammate.

In the women’s race, Germany’s Martina Glagow captured her second victory in a row, holding off three of her teammates who settled in behind her in second, third and fourth place, respectively. Kati Wilhelm coasted in for the silver, +15.9 behind Glagow, followed by Kathrin Hitzer, who won the bronze medal, +51.9 off the pace.

Calgary’s Sandra Keith experienced some difficulties on the range, resulting in several penalty laps which led to her being lapped, eliminating her from the competition. The Canadian team will move on to Oslo Holmenkollen, Norway for the World Cup March 8-11.

Men’s top-five results:

1. Raphael Poiree, FRA, 24:39.0; 2. Michael Greis, GER, +6.0; 3. Sven Fischer, GER. +6.4; 4.Halvard Hanevold, NOR, +22.5; 5. Ivan Tcherezov, RUS, +31.7



Canadian results:

48. Robin Clegg, Ottawa, +5:07.2



Women’s top-five results:

1. Martina Glagow, GER, 28:48.70; 2. Kati Wilhelm, GER, +15.9; 3. Kathrin Hitzer, GER, +51.6.; 4. Andrea Henkel, GER, +51.9; 5. Ekaterina Iourieva, RUS, +52.4



Canadian results:

LAP Sandra Keith, Calgary