In the French cauldron where he likes to cook his opponents so much, Johannes Boe thought he was simmering his third victory in a row on Thursday after his double signed in Hochfilzen. In the lead at the last two intermediates, the leader of the place, winner of four of the five sprints already contested at Grand-Bornand, had all the ingredients to enjoy his 88th career triumph. But this one passed under his nose for a pinch of salt, i.e. 1″4.
A second place not so bitter since he consolidates his yellow and red bibs and his tormentor is a compatriot, Martin Uldal, who signs at the age of 23 the first success of his career. The Swede Sebastian Samuelsson completes the podium (+11″). First Frenchman, Eric Perrot finishes 7th (+42″).
Martin Uldal during the World Cup pursuit in Hochfilzen, December 14, 2024
Credit: Getty Images
It’s not easy for the Blues, who are three in the top 10, but this first meeting at home constitutes their first race of the winter outside the top 6. We had better timing. The first explanation for this relative misstep can be found on the track. Author of the best ski time during the sprint and the pursuit of Hochfilzen, Emilien Jacquelin is only 8th in this register this time, 32″ behind Boe. And the Frenchman who follows in this rocket ranking is only 15th (Emilien Claude, +55″).
When Jacquelin adjusts his bindings… while skiing: “I had fun”
Video credit: Eurosport
The Blues in ambush before the chase
In addition, Jacquelin committed two shooting errors, one in the prone position and the other in the standing position. Crippling to play up front. He is not dropped either, the Isérois having ranked 8th (+45″). He is the only member of the top 12 to have committed more than one fault. The 10/10 remained a rare commodity. Uldal and Perrot are the only ones to have succeeded among the first 11. With one fault, Quentin Fillon Maillet ranked 10th at 50″. These three Blues thus remain in ambush before the chase on Saturday (12:30 p.m.). Fabien Claude (24th at 1’24”, 2 faults), Antonin Guigonnat (27th at 1’26”, 2 faults) and Emilien Claude (37th at 1’36”, 3 faults) will also participate. But obviously with hopes more measured.
