Le Grand Bornand – Julia Simon second in the pursuit behind Franziska Preuss

Already in great shape on the sprintJulia Simon confirms today and signs the second podium of her season. Victory goes to Franziska Preuss. The podium is completed by another German, Vanessa Voigt. Note: the best career result of Jeanne Richard, 4th.

Julia Simon, the return!

7^th yesterday with very good sensations on the skis, Julia Simon took the start of the pursuit 37 seconds from victory, and less than 15 seconds from the podium.

In just one shot, the Savoyard is already back on the podium, in contact with the Ukrainian Yulia Dzhimayet much slower than the Frenchwoman. Despite two errors on his second shot, Julia Simon is perfect at the end of the race. Second time of the pursuit5^th shooting time and 10^th ski time, the reigning world champion in the discipline made the talk and returned to the podium (after her second place in the Kontiolahti mass start). The winner of the big globe in 2023 is currently 5^th in the general classification.

Franziska Preuss, once again imperial

Leader of the general classification, second in the sprint here, Franziska Preuss was clearly one of the favorites today. She who announced herself ill on her social networks, the German was once again untouchable on the piste of Grand-Bornand.

Only one second separated her from the race lead at the start. Rushing behind the rocket Justine Braisaz-Bouchetthe German didn't get fooled and skied at her own pace. Her experience paid off: she took the lead of the race from the first shot. Yet slower on skis (14^th time at 55 seconds), it is its beautiful 19/20 behind the rifle which makes it untouchable. Thanks to this new victory, Franziska Preuss confirms its leadership role and scores valuable points in the general classification. She is now 153 points ahead of Elvira Oeberg.

The French women are there

With the faultless behind the rifle, Vanessa Voigt wins his second podium this season. Yet 20^th ski time, it is once again on shooting that the German makes the difference. Already on the podium last week in Hochfilzen in this same format, the biathlete from across the Rhine confirms her great start to the season and is now 4^th in the general classification.

The 4^th place returns today to Jeanne Richard. Very consistent at the start of the season (6 top 15 in 7 races), the biathlete from Les Gets hit hard. 19/20 behind the rifle, 11^th time on skis, the podium was only 5 seconds away after the last shot. A little too tight on the skis to catch up Vanessa Voigt, Jeanne Richard can console himself with the best result of his career. She thus consolidates her blue bib as best young person in the general classification with 30 points ahead of her compatriot. Océane Michelon.

The flower ceremony is completed by Maren Kirkeeide (19/20 and best career result) and Elvira Oeberg (18/20) which regains color by moving up 26 places.

Third Frenchwoman of the day, Océane Michelon signed on 19/20 and finished 11^th. Third beat of the pursuit et 9^thtime on skis, the Savoyarde confirms her good start to the season.

Yet starting in the lead thanks to his great victory in the sprint yesterday, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet failed to repeat his Lenzerheide feat from last season. Seven faults behind the rifle, the native of Saisies cannot do better than 12^th(yet with the second time on skis).

Lou Jeanmonnot had a lot to do today to stay in the race for the big globe. Fairly fit on skis (7^th time) and despite an 18/20, the Jurassienne finishes 18^th. She concedes one place in the general classification and is now 165 points behind Franziska Preuss. Sophie Chauveau deadline 31^thdespite a perfect start to the race (15/15), the Bormandine cracks on her last shot and commits three faults.

Complete results

Photo credit: Manzoni/NordicFocus