The French had a hard time on the launch pad on Thursday. The individual men’s 20 kilometer, which launched the stage of Antholz-Anterselva (Italy), was won by the Russian Anton Babikov, his first individual victory in the World Cup.
Thanks to his flawless shooting, he beat the Norwegian Tarjei Boe and his compatriot Said Khalili.
Simon Desthieux 6th
On the French side, there is not really anything to be happy about. Above all, he has a little disappointment for Simon Desthieux, in ambush before the race for the small globe of the event, who let the precious trophy slip away (6th and 17th /20) in the hands of Tarjei Boe.
Fabien Claude and Emilien Jacquelin, respectively 8th and 10th, also came out on top. The first achieved a 17/20 while his compatriot, author of a 15/15 on the first three shots before going on a fault twice on the last standing had more trouble on skis.
The leader of the general classification, Quentin Fillon Maillet did not take advantage of the absence of the Swedes who left to prepare for the Winter Olympics, and could not do better than a sad 15/20, relegating him to 18th racing spot.
Antonin Guigonnat (16/20) and Eric Perrot finished 29th and 60th respectively.