An incredible victory for an Italian and two Germans in the top 3. Biathlon World Cup 2023/2024

The third competition of the 2023/2024 Biathlon World Cup took place today. The women's individual race at fifteen-kilometer distance was the highlight of the first stage of the World Cup in Östersund, Sweden.

The race culminated in an incredible outcome, with the reigning 2023 world champion, Italian athlete Lisa Vittozzi, claiming victory. She edged out the bronze medalist from the 2022 Olympics in the relay, Germany's Franziska Preuß, by just 0.1 seconds. Another German athlete, Vanessa Voigt, secured the third spot on the podium.

Last year's Biathlon World Cup winner, France's Julia Simon, finished 31st, trailing Vittozzi by more than three and a half minutes.

Biathlon World Cup

1st Stage

Östersund, Sweden

Women's Individual Race (15km)

Top 10

1. Lisa Vittozzi (Italy) 44:03.9
2. Franziska Preuß (Germany) 44:04.0 (+0.1)
3. Vanessa Voigt (Germany) 44:14.0 (+10.1)
4. Karolin Offigstad Knotten (Norway) 44:50.4 (+46.5)
5. Sofia Schneider (Germany) 45:04.9 (+1:01.0)
6. Lisa Theresa Hauser (Austria) 45:11.6 (+1:07.7)
7. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold (Norway) 45:13.6 (+1:09.7)
8. Marte Johansen (Norway) 45:33.5 (+1:29.6)
9. Anna Maka (Poland) 45:55.9 (+1:52.0)
10. Marit Ishol Skogan (Norway) 46:01.6 (+1:57.7)

It's worth noting that there will be a men's individual race over twenty kilometers later today.