Lisa Vittozzi claims sprint win in Canmore to boost chances of World Cup title as Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold falters

Lisa Vittozzi boosted her hopes of taking the overall Biathlon World Cup title as she took sprint glory in Canmore.

The Italian came into the final stop of the World Cup season in second place in the overall standings, and shot clear on her way to a first sprint win of the campaign.

That, coupled with overall leader Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold struggling and finishing just 17th, means that Vittozzi is now just seven points behind in the race for the crystal globe.

Vittozzi produced a fine finish to overtake France’s Lou Jeanmonnot, who had won the pursuit in Soldier Hollow last time out, with Switzerland’s Lena Haecki-Gross taking bronze.

As well as Tandrevold, Vittozzi’s other rivals for the overall crown also struggled, with Julia Simon missing once as she came fourth, while Justine Braisaz-Bouchet could only finish eighth.

They are now 73 points back in the case of Braisaz-Bouchet and a further seven for Simon.

“Finally, I made it to win a sprint, maybe the last time was four [five] years ago,” Vittozzi said. “I am really proud; I did a perfect race, so I am really happy.

“I went out of the shooting range one second behind, so I tried to push hard. I felt good. I wanted this win so much and pushed with everything I had. I am really satisfied.”

The action continues on Saturday with the pursuit, where Vittozzi could move top of the overall standings, starting with a lead of more than a minute on Tandrevold.

Despite the disappointing result, Tandrevold had some consolation in that she did enough to secure the small globe, edging out Braisaz-Bouchet by eight points.