February 14, 2019 (Soldier Hollow, Utah) – American Clare Egan led the charge in the women’s 7.5km Sprint finishing 21st with one penalty as the IBU World Cup returned to Utah’s Soldier Hollow Nordic Center for the first time since the 2002 Winter Games.  The top Canadian was Rosanna Crawford in 24th with perfect score on the range.

Norway’s Marte Olsbu Roeiseland shot clean to claim the win over Finland’s Kaisa Makarainen in second with one penalty at 11.5 seconds back. Germany’s Franziska Hildebrand, with her first podium of the season, also shot clean to finish third  at 21.4 seconds behind Roeiseland.

“There was a great atmosphere for today’s race. It was distinctly American,” said Egan. “The fans were loud and obviously having tons of fun watching biathlon and enjoying the fan zone with live music, (mechanical) bull riding, ax throwing and food trucks. As a competitor, I loved hearing my name and the USA chants around the course.”

“I’m coming off a week of sickness and had a really hard time with the altitude today, so I’m very happy I was able to put together a good shooting performance,” Egan said. “I have a good starting position for Saturday’s pursuit and can’t wait to get back out there in front of the home crowd.”

The USA’s Susan Dunklee was 45th with three penalties followed by Joanne Reid in 52nd with two missed targets. Canada’s Sarah Beaudry was 55th with one penalty while teammate Emma Lunder was 56th with three missed targets. All qualified for Saturday’s 10-kilometer pursuit by finishing in the top 60.

The BMW IBU World Cup from Soldier Hollow continues on Friday with the men’s 10km sprint beginning at 1:15 p.m. ET.

Results here.