February 07, 2015 (Nove Mesto, CZE) – American Susan Dunklee delivered a strong 9th in the women’s 7.5-kilometer sprint at the at the IBU World Cup in Nove Mesto chalking up her third consecutive top-10 World Cup finish. With only one penalty Dunklee was 46.3s behind winner Laura Dahlmeier of Germany who scored her first World Cup victory.

Susan Dunklee (USA) © Nordic Focus

“The hilly course here is one of my favorites on the circuit and the full stadium is electrifying,” said Dunklee. “My body felt good and it was a lot of fun to race today. Something about Nove Mesto seems to agree with our team. “It’s wonderful to have three women in the points.”

Second place went to Dahlmeier’s teammate Franziska Hildebrand, one second back, as both Germans shot clean. Veronika Vitkova of Czech Republic finished third, with one penalty, 13.9 seconds back.

Final podium © Nordic Focus

Annelies Cook was 28th with one penalty, Hannah Dreissigacker came in 39th with two penalties, and Clare Egan placed 73rd (25:16.8/+4). Dunklee, Cook and Dreissigacker all qualify for Sunday’s women’s pursuit.

Canada’s Audrey Vaillancourt was the lone Canadian to finish placing 66th with two penalties while Megan Heinicke did not start. Rosanna Crawford did not finish having a tough time on the range tweeting, “Well that was embarrassing. Crossed fired 4 hits, didn’t notice. Would have had an 8min penalty. #newbmistake”.

Full results here.