January 15, 2017  (Ruhpolding , Germany) – The USA’s Tim Burke finished 24th in tough snowy conditions with three missed targets in the men’s 12.5k pursuit that kicked off the final day of competitions in Ruhpolding as the BMW IBU World Cup 5 wrapped up on Sunday.

Tim Burke (USA) © Nordic Focus

France’s Martin Fourcade battled through the heavy snow with three penalties to claim his 10th win of the season. Norway’s Emil Hegle Svendsen shot clean but finished second at 22.5 seconds back while Michal Krcmar of Czech Republic, also shot clean to take the last podium spot, for his first career podium at 19.5 seconds behind Fourcade.

Burke’s teammate, Lowell Bailey, was just behind him in 26th with two penalties while the lone Canadian on the start line, Scott Gow, finished in 41st with three misses at 3:09 behind. Amerian Sean Doherty finished 43rd at 3:22 back with four penalties.

Lowell Bailey © Nordic Focus

“Today was another solid race for me,” said Burke. “I felt solid on the course but have not quite found my timing on the shooting range. I feel like things are headed in the right direction for me and I am looking forward to competing in Antholz next week, which has always been one of my favorite courses.”

Burke got off to a great start by cleaning both prone stages to move up to 11th out on the course. However, two misses in the first standing stage knocked him back to 28th and, despite another miss in the final standing stage, he rallied back to place 24th, 1:31.6 back of the winning time.

“I struggled a bit on the skis today,” Bailey said. “No explanation, but I’m still happy with a solid top-30 going into Antholz. It was difficult conditions with falling snow, so I was satisfied with the shooting. Of course, I wish I could have those two misses back, but I’ll have to wait until Antholz.”

Results here.