There are still five in the race for the Grail, and among them, three tricolors.
The final stage of the Biathlon World Cup this week in Canmore (Canada) promises crazy suspense in the quest for the big crystal globe of the general classification for women.
We take stock.
For this last meeting of the season, three races are on the program: the sprint this Thursday (5:40 p.m.), the pursuit Saturday (6:10 p.m.) and the mass start on Sunday (6:10 p.m.), the equivalent of 270 points to collect at the maximum for registered biathletes (a victory earns 90 points).
However, the general classification of the World Cup is played out in a pinch, with the first five held by only 136 points.
For the moment, it is the Norwegian Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold who holds the reins with 964 points on the clock.
Big favorite with her 73 points ahead of her pursuer Lisa Vittozzi, she nevertheless has no room for error on this last stage.
Ingrid's yellow bib defense continues - and she still has a healthy 73 point margin over Lisa Vittozzi despite a disappointing pursuit in Soldier Hollow!
đź
Will her ânever-give-upâ attitude help secure the big globe this week?
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đž: Manzoni/IBU #biathlon #CAN24 pic.twitter.com/HWurlUqilv
â International Biathlon Union (@biathlonworld) March 12, 2024
Because in the event of poor performances this weekend, the Italian will not be the only one chasing her.
On the French side, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet is best placed for the moment in 3rd position (83 points behind).
The mass-start world champion can also aim for the small sprint globe (2nd, 18 small points from the head).
Simon and Jeanmonnot in search of an exploit
Further on, Julia Simon (4th at 106 points) moved away from the lead last weekend near Soldier Hollow (United States), but can still hope to keep her big crystal globe.
Otherwise, the winner of the general classification of the World Cup last year could be satisfied with the small globes of the pursuit and the mass start in which she currently occupies the lead.
Note that the exceptional results of the 27-year-old Frenchwoman at the World Championships in Nove Mesto (2 crowns and a podium in the individual events) are not taken into account in the general ranking.
Finally, Lou Jeanmonnot (5th at 136 points) must achieve an exploit to secure the general classification.
If the 25-year-old Frenchwoman got back on track last week (1 victory in the pursuit and a 3rd place in the sprint), she will almost have to do well in Canada to triumph.
But with the incredible season that the French offer us, nothing is impossible!
The general classification of the World Cup (Women)
1. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold (NOR): 964 points
2. Lisa Vittozzi (ITA): 891 points (-73)
3.
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet
: 881 points (-83)
4.
Julia Simon
: 858 points (-106)
5
Lou Jeanmonnot
: 828 points (-136)
Among the men, on the other hand, there are very few issues on the French side except those of obtaining an anecdotal place in the Top 10 of the season at the end of a gloomy exercise.
Last week in the United States, Ăric Perrot, victorious in the sprint, and Ămilien Jacquelin, with two podiums, raised their heads.
They will have to continue at this pace to aim as high as possible in the general classification.
Without mathematically being able to dream of much.
Right in front, Johannes Boe is the favorite to claim a fifth big crystal globe, but is still in the fight with his brother Tarjei (2nd at 62 points).