March 08, 2014 (Pokljuka, SLO) – The USA’s Lowell Bailey led the North Americans placing a strong 10th in men’s 12.5km pursuit today at round 7 of the IBU World Cup in Pokljuka with three penalities at 1:20.5 behind winner Anton Shipulin (RUS). Bailey’s teammate Tim Burke, also with three penalties, finished in 13th at 1:20.5 behind the winner.

Yesterday’s sprint winner, Bjoern Ferry (SWE), landed on the podium in second at 8.6s behind (2 penalties) while legendary Norwegian, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen finished third at 27.4 back also with 2 penalties.

Lowell Bailey (l) and Jaroslav Soukup (CZE) race to claim the 10th place finish in the World Cup pursuit today. © US Biathlon/NordicFocus.

“It was pretty windy during zero today, so I spent a lot of time at the range trying to get a feel for what the gusts were doing,” said Bailey. “I felt like I had a good handle on things and the first prone went well with all the shots in the center. During the second stage I dropped two shots low, but I’m still not really sure why. The wind was definitely manageable during the stage, so I can’t really blame it on that.

Leading the Canadians was Brendan Green in 26th with five penalties at 2:59.1 behind. The USA’s Leif Nordgren finished 31st with two penalties followed by Nathan Smith (CAN) in 36th at 4:25.2 with three penalties.

“I was happy with standing and the last loop was probably the best last-loop fight I’ve had all year between Jaroslav Soukup (CZE) and myself. First I tried to drop him, than he fought back and go a little bit of a gap on me until the last few uphills when we were right together. I knew there was a big headwind and a downhill finish, so I stayed behind until the last 50 meters and then made my move. Thankfully, it was just barely good enough for a top-ten. I’m happy with the result and looking forward to tomorrow. The tracks are in great shape and it looks like great weather again tomorrow,” added Bailey.

Germany’s Arnd Peiffer took an early lead but Shipulin and Dimitry Malyshko (RUS) shot clean in the second prone and first standing to take over the lead. Ferry, who is retiring after this season, also shot well to take over second as Malyshko faltered on the final standing. Björndalen moved into third as he cleaned the final standing targets.

For Burke it was a good day at the office with strong skiing but more penalties than he hoped for.

“I was very happy with my race today, especially the feeling I had on the track,” commented Burke. “This was by far my best skiing since before the Olympics, so it felt great to feel like my normal self again. The wind was once again pretty tricky today for shooting so there were a lot of penalties from the field. Tomorrow’s mass start should be a lot of fun and I hope to carry over the good feeling from today.”

Results here.