According to sources, French biathlete Éric Perrot won the 20-kilometer individual race in Kontiolahti. Sturla Holm Lægreid placed second and Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen placed third, while Johan-Olav Botn placed 19th. Éric Perrot increased his lead in the overall World Cup standings after the race in Finland, though the margin by which he leads is not specified.
He also won the small crystal globe for the individual discipline this season. After the race, Éric Perrot expressed pride, citing the fulfillment of a childhood dream. He acknowledged feeling fatigue after the Olympics but prepared optimally for this race, and emphasized his personal demand for precision in shooting as key to his success.
I didn't know about the battle against Perrot until I was halfway through the last lap. I thought I was going to win, then I hear that he is leading.
Sturla Holm Lægreid said, 'I didn't know about the battle against Perrot until I was halfway through the last lap. ' He added, 'I got splits against the others who went fast on skis. I also went fast on skis, and then I shoot twenty hits and think 'that will probably be victory', but Vetle and Eric were just as good today.
And Eric a bit better. ' Johan-Olav Botn stated, 'Eric delivered today, I had no possibility to beat him today. He went fast and shot well.
I got splits against the others who went fast on skis. I also went fast on skis, and then I shoot twenty hits and think 'that will probably be victory', but Vetle and Eric were just as good today. And Eric a bit better. It wasn't enough for victory today, but a good second place.
Eric delivered today, I had no possibility to beat him today. He went fast and shot well. He deserved it today.