Alpine Skiing and Biathlon 2018/19

First topic message reminder :

Well, a new season already – here’s a quick reminder of how it all ended up last year!

Overall Points
Marcel Hirscher (1620)
Mikaela Shiffrin (1773)
Downhill
Beat Feuz (682)
Sofia Goggia (509)
Super G
Kjetil Jansrud (400)
Tina Weirather (461)
Giant Slalom
Marcel Hirscher (720)
Vikki Rebensburg (582)
Slalom
Marcel Hirscher (874)
Mikaela Shiffrin (980)
Alpine Combined
Peter Fill (140)
Wendy Holdener (150)

Now – the 2018/19 season starts at Sölden, with the Ladies Giant Slalom – the start list says that Federica Brignone will be first away, with last year’s slalom globe holder, Mikaela Shiffrin away second – 75 starters in all on the list with Britain’s Alex Tilley going 24th.  Looks a bit murky on the glacier, with snow falling – hope we get both races completed this year. Conditions seem to be acceptable, although the combination of the snow and some wind have meant a lower start for the women; 37 gates now? Brignone is safely down, but it could be trickier for the late starters. Now, there’s something you don’t see often – Mikaela Shiffrin with a red light on her timings – she’s 0.60 off the pace! Tess Worley into 2nd place; errors from Mowinckel too – she’s into 4th. They’re getting the racers out quickly; the forecast isn’t good! Vikki Rebensburg is away next – green lights at intermediate 1, 2 and 3 but she’s lost time on the final section – into 2nd, +0.24. Steph Brunner off the pace too, and so is Wendy Holdener – the transition from the steeper section to the flatter finish seems to be a good place to lose time! Marta Bassino is the first DNF of the day – she seems to be OK. That’s 10 away – Brignone leads from Rebensburg and Worley; then Shiffrin, Mowinckel and Brunner. First TV break and no change to the top 6. Lara Gut into 9th, but Tina Weirather is over 3 seconds off the pace here; the track is getting tougher. Impressed to see Kristin Lysdahl get into the top 10; she’s 8th at present.  Good start by Alex Tilley but a massive error just after the second intermediate has cost her lots of time – almost certainly no second run today. Nice run from K G Haugen to get into 13th; 30 away now and the top 6 remain unchanged. The start interval has halved and they really are getting them away quickly, but there doesn’t seem to be any change to the top 20.  Spoke too soon – that was an  impressive effort – Stephanie Resch (AUT) into 16th place! That’s it now – run 1 over, no further changes to the top 20.
Run 2: New course set by a Norwegian coach, again from the lowered start, apparently a tougher technical challenge! Eva-Maria Brem first away – nice to see her back. From the TV it looks as though the visibility is a bit better, at least at the top of the run. Haaser takes over the lead, by just 0.01; Truppe is going well, but she’s getting thrown around on the middle section – she leads by 0.75. Not for long though – Stjernesund (NOR) goes ahead with Grenier going into 2nd. Taina Barioz into 3rd; the wind seems to be getting up and the top 3 stay in place. Petra Vlhova had 0.52 in hand at the start, but she’s had a massive error lower down – game over. It seems very easy to lose time between intermediate 2 and 3, and even more on the final section, as both Schild and Veith have found out. Stephanie Resch green all the way to inter 3, but then lost well over a second to the finish – she’s 6th at present. That’s the half way point of run 2 – Stjernesund leads from Grenier (CAN), Barioz (FRA) and Liensberger (AUT). Michelle Gisin into 4th; the snow seems to be back and Meta Hrovat has gone from over 0.7 in hand to a second off the pace at the finish; Kristine Haugen (NOR) has had a very good final section, making up time there and she’s second. The Norwegians are making the most of their coach setting the course, and their skill over the final section! Mugnier into 4th; next is Frida Hansdotter, with 1.12 in hand – the light has gone red at inter 2 and she’s lost it – into 16th. The visibility is getting worse again – Lara Gut has an advantage of 1.19 at the top – she’s also just red at inter 2 and can only manage 6th. Sara Hector has lost her ski near the top of her run, and here’s another Norwegian – Kristin Lysdahl; she’s lost time on the way down, and isn’t the fastest on run 2, but she’s done enough to take the lead – an all Norwegian podium at present! Wendy Holdener (SUI) is gaining time on most of the course – lost a little later but again that’s enough to take the lead by 0.16. Steph Brunner is also going well – again not the fastest on this run, but that was a risky run and she’s into the lead! The Austrian fans like that! However – here’s another Norwegian – Ragnhild Mowinckel; quite a few errors but a brilliant final section gets her into joint first place – exciting stuff. Next – Mikaela Shiffrin – and she’s gaining time – she leads by almost a full second; that’s more like it. Tessa Worley is gaining even more time, she’s turned 0.34 at the start into almost a full second faster than Shiffrin – amazing run. Vikki Rebensburg has gone red at inter 2; she goes 3rd, just 0.05 behind Shiffrin. Just Federica Brignone to go – 0.40 in hand, but just into the red at inter 2 – she’s into 2nd place. So, Tessa Worley wins – the first French woman to win here! Brignone in second ahead of Shiffrin, then Rebensburg 4th, with Brunner and Mowinckel tied in 5th.

Sunday 28 Oct - well, the men's race at Sölden isn't having much luck - cancelled last year, and conditions were so bad overnight and this morning that it's been cancelled this year too! Here's the FIS statement: Winter has checked in with a lot of snow in Sölden. Overnight, a thick layer of white gold covered the race course (approximately 50 centimeters at the top and 40 in the finish). Since two in the morning snowcats and quads have been working to remove the snow, but strong winds at the top were continuously bringing more snow on the course. In addition to this, the weather forecast wasn’t announcing any decrease in the snowfall or the wind strength. It became clear that in those conditions, the safety of the race could not be ensured. This is why the jury, together with the local organising committee and the national ski association, took the decision to cancel today’s men’s giant slalom. After last years’ cancellation, the rule has been adapted and it is now possible to replace the opening race in case of a cancellation. The giant slalom will be taken over by another venue, that is to be announced early next week.

Well, not a good start - the Men's Downhill in Kvitfjell scheduled for Friday 1 March has been cancelled. Not sure why, but the slot has been allocated to a second DH training run, so perhaps there hasn't been enough training to allow the race to go ahead - weather again? Also the Women's Downhill in Rosa Khutor, 2 March, has also been cancelled and replaced by a Super G (officially this is now the Super G scheduled for 3 March) and the Super G actually scheduled for 3 March is now another Super G, replacing the race that was cancelled in St Anton! Hope that's all clear!? It looks like all 3 DH training runs for the women were cancelled and the men didn't get their training on 28 Feb either - hopefully things will improve for the weekend?

Rosa Khutor - Women’s Downhill, 2 Mar: Well, more bad news – the DH training on 1 March was also cancelled, so the DH scheduled for 2 Mar is also cancelled, because of heavy overnight snowfall (and no training run completed); at present the Super G on 3 Mar is running but the schedule looks very confusing!

Kvitfjell – Men’s Downhill, 2 Mar: It seems they did manage a training run yesterday (1 Mar), so this race seems to be on? Indeed it is – first away is Aleksander Aamodt Kilde; that’s another beast of a course – he’s down and the crowd think it’s good! Brice Roger green early on, and only a couple hundredths red later on – lost a little more on the final turns and he’s 2nd, +0.25. Bib 3 is Christof Innerhofer – nicely green at inter 1, but then barely green at 2 and 3; better at 4 and 0.34 green at 5 – again he’s lost a bit to the finish – 2nd, +0.06. Sejersted next; green early on and very quick through the first speed gun – red at 4, very quick through the second speed trap and he’s 2nd, +0.03! This is close stuff – and here comes Beat Feuz; 0.53 ahead at inter 2, and 0.76 at 3 – he really is flying, and leads by over a second – 1.15 ahead!! Carlo Janka into 6th; Dominik Paris away – he’s slightly green at inter 3 and 4; he needs to beat Feuz (no pun intended) to keep his globe hopes alive – red at 5 but fast through the gun – great finish, he leads by 0.25! Vincent Kriechmayr in touch early on – he’s into 3rd, +0.64. That’s 10 away; Paris leads from Feuz and Kriechmayr, then Kilde, Sejersted and Innerhofer. Quick break and now it’s Kjetil Jansrud – he’s taken a different line at the top, but it doesn’t seem to. be paying off and he’s lost more time on the final section too – into 4th, +1.04. The crowd have gone a bit quiet. Steve Nyman is in touch but living dangerously at times – he’s into 4th, +0.96. Bib 15 is Matthias Mayer and he’s green at inter 1 and 2; still green at 4, lost a bit by 5 and slow through the speed trap – he’s into 3rd, pushing his compatriot Kriechmayr off the podium! Mauro Caviezel has started well – green at inter 1 and 2; red at 3, back green at 5 but off the pace through the speed gun – he goes 4th. Striedinger into 6th; Clarey into 9th – he’s the highest bib number in the top 10 at present. Bailet has fallen but he’s up and seems OK; Schmid has skied out – good recovery though! Very close call for Travis Ganong; he just stayed on his feet but that cost him a lot of time; he must be happy to be down safely! That’s 30 away – no change to the top 10 since Clarey. Great reception for Werner Heel at the finish of his final race! Not quite over yet – great run from Jared Goldberg (bib 42) into 9th place – great effort! So, Dominik Paris wins and keeps his chance of taking the downhill globe just alive; Beat Feuz in 2nd and Matthias Mayer 3rd. The downhill points, with 1 race to go, are as follows – Feuz 500; Paris 420, Kriechmayr 294.

Sochi - Women's Super G – Sunday 3 March – Full house, all races cancelled! Here’s part of the FIS statement: “Despite significantly better weather and clearing skies on Sunday at Rosa Khutor (RUS), the jury together with the local organising committee decided to cancel the ladies' Audi FIS Ski World Cup super-G due to unfavorable [sic] course conditions. The World Cup tour now departs the venue without a race contested there for the 2018/19 season. The course crew faced the monumental challenge of handling 152 centimeters of snow that fell from Tuesday until Saturday night. FIS Chief Race Director of the Ladies' World Cup Atle Skaardal noted the complexity of the situation and praised the efforts of the LOC throughout the week to guarantee a race despite extreme conditions. "The weather has been really unlucky here. The LOC did everything possible with its workforce and machines, but sometimes we have to admit that nature is just stronger," Skaardal said.
FIS Race Director of the Ladies' World Cup Speed Events Jean-Philippe Vulliet added, "The course crew here put it efforts at levels never seen before. There is no other organiser on our tour that would have been able to do anything differently in this complex situation." 

Kvitfjell – Men’s Super G, 3 March: Delayed for 30 minutes due to snowfall! It’s still quite foggy in places, with snow still falling but the race is on – Adrien Theaux is the poor chap who is first away, picking his way over the fresh snow – remember for Super G they only have a course inspection, not a practice. Course set by an Italian coach today. Christoph Krenn (AUT) into 2nd, +0.58; Christof Innerhofer is third away – nicely green at inter 1,2 and 3 – lost a bit to 4 after catching an edge and almost missing a gate – he still takes the lead, by 0.46. No timing graphics on the screen at present, which is annoying – it’s on now, as Dustin Cook misses the gate that almost did for Innerhofer! Mauro Caviezel is in touch – quite red at inter 2, but he’s pulling time back to go just green at inter 4 – good through the closing turns and he leads, by 0.13. Christian Walder is doing it the other way – green at the top but into the red at inter 3 and into 3rd. Now, Dominik Paris is away – green at inter 1 and gaining about 2 tenths each intermediate despite a slight detour, just clipping the soft stuff – 0.60 up at inter 3 and he’s fast through the speed gun too – he leads by a whole second! Travis Ganong has also gone into the softer snow a little, but he’s well in touch – there’s a whole second between first and second, and Ganong crosses the line +0.89, to take over second place. Not for long though, as Vincent Kriechmayr is just +0.82 at the line and he goes second; Beat Feuz is red all the way to inter 4, but not so far off as the last two racers – now he’s 2nd, +0.60 – that could be a PB for him in Super G this season! The snow seems to be getting a little heavier and the visibility is fading a bit; 10 away and Paris leads from Feuz and Kriechmayr – Ganong 4th ahead of Caviezel and Innerhofer. Brice Roger into 6th; Kjetil Jansrud is green at inter 2 and just in the green at 3 – holding at 4, bit slow through the gun and he’s 2nd, +0.43. Odermatt (12th) and Mayer (10th) both a bit off the pace, missing the top 6; Cochran-Siegle rather wild and into 15th. Now, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde is a bit more in touch – he’s into 6th; Reichelt outside the top 10 (14th). Johan Clarey isn’t having the best of the weather, but he’s into joint 9th; Sejersted out on that tricky jump, but seems OK. Steve Nyman was well in touch at inter 2, but he’s had one error, which put him off line and led to more problems – he’s 15th. The mist is getting even worse, especially around that traverse – surely almost on the limit; no change to the top 10 since Clarey (bib 19). Tumler also out at the Daytona turn; that’s two DNFs in a row, as Giezendanner is also out – make that 3 in a row as Schwaiger has missed the same gate as Giezendanner. Bostjan Kline has actually made it to the finish, in 16th, which is an impressive effort – the FIS will heave a sigh of relief as they can now claim the race as run, with 30 away. At present Christopher Neumayer (AUT, bib 37) is the last to change the top 20 – getting into 20th! Once again Ben Thomsen has done well, getting 25th (at present) from bib 54. Well, that’s the race over – no late changes to the top 10; well done to Dominik Paris for the double this weekend, Jansrud in 2nd and Feuz getting a podium in Super G. Now, at race start Paris was 6 points behind Kriechmayr and 3 points behind Mayer in the Super G standings – it’s changed a bit since then – Paris now leads with 330 points from Kriechmayr (286), Kilde (267), Jansrud (266) and Mayer (255) with Caviezel 6th (244). In the overall standings the points have changed but not the order of the top 6 – Hirscher leads on 1408, from Pinturault and Kristoffersen; Paris in 4th, now 58 points behind Kristoffersen.

Östersund – IBU World Championships – Mixed relay (2 x 6 km; 2 x 7.5 Km): Well, day 1 of the championships – it’s snowing quite hard! No Laura Dahlmeier today – she is not completely well and saving her energy for the sprint – Herrmann in at 5 hours notice; no Kuzmina either. Twenty six teams today; the French are supposed to be the favourites; Chevalier, Simon, Desthieux and some chap called Martin Fourcade on the final leg. However, Norway have Roeiseland, Eckhoff, JoBø and Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen; Italy Vittozzi, Wierer, Hofer and Windisch. This time we are back to the more normal “women first” relay – a bit confusing as some countries have changed kit. With all the recent warm weather, then very cold, then new snow the tracks should be “interesting” – the downhill speeds seem to be slower today?  Vanessa Hinz leading early on from Vittozzi, Crawford, Chevalier and Dunklee. Vittozzi is opening a slight gap, with Roeiseland chasing her down as they head for S1 – wind is light – Vittozzi first to strike, shooting very fast – she’s clear and out! Dunklee using all 3 spares, Chevalier 2; Bulgaria (Kadeva) on the penalty loop, as are Slovenia (Klemencic). Order after S1 – Vittozzi, Hinz (0 spares, +7.5), Persson (0, +11.0), and Merkushyna (0, +12.7); Roeiseland in 8th after 1 spare, Chevalier in 14th after 2.  Roeiseland gaining places on the next lap – up to 2nd by 3.7 Km, and 7 seconds pulled back; Dunklee going even faster! In for S2 – Vittozzi is awesome today, five down really quickly and away. Roeiseland has missed 1, Hinz 2, Dunklee has 1 target up, and 1 spare left but she’s avoided the loop. So, Lisa Vittozzi leads, then Persson (0, +16.8), Merkushyna (1 spare total, +22.5), Roeisland (2, +23.6), Fialkova (0, +29.5) and Hinz (2, +31.1). Marta Roeiseland up to 2nd again on the lap (+5.5)! In for exchange 1 – Italy lead from Norway, then SWE/UKR/SLO/GER/JPN/USA (+55.1); France in 15th. Tiril Eckhoff has closed down Doro early on; Denise Herrmann has closed almost 14 seconds to get up to 4th; Öberg also going well in 3rd!  In for S3 – Doro in lane 1, and she’s missed her 1st shot, and another; so has Tiril! Only one clear at the moment is Denise Herrmann; she’s out 2nd, just 2.1 behind Doro (2 spares). Eckhoff in 3rd (2, +2.9), then Öberg (1, +9.4), Semerenko and Fialkova; Russia (Yurlova) in 7th, USA (Egan) 11th and France (Julia Simon) in 16th, +1:27.5. Herrmann leading at present and that’s a good pace; Eckhoff and Wierer are trying to stay with her; Öberg is losing ground but that might be a good tactic? In for S4 with the leading 3 separated by only 1.5 seconds at 3.7 Km; now, lane 1 can be tricky! Doro has missed her 1st and another – so has Herrmann, who is now 1 target /1 spare – she’s got it! Doro (4 total spares) leads out, ahead of Eckhoff (3, +1.9), Öberg (1, +3.8), Herrmann (3, +18.2), Yurlova and Davidova. Tiril Eckhoff has passed Doro, Herrmann just 6.2 back on the lap; Yurlova-P up to 4th. Öberg is hurting, and losing time; Herrmann has just gone into the lead. Exchange 2 – Arnd Peiffer leads out, just ahead of Johannes Bø (+0.9). Then ITA/SWE (+19.1)/RUS/CZE (+40.9). USA in 12th (+1:34.0) with France 15th (8 spares so far, +1:56.7). At the first split time JoBø is leading Peiffer by 0.8, Hofer just 1.4 back; Nelin is +24.9 in 4th, with Malyshko 5th, +36.5. Worryingly JoBø is taking it easy, by his standards, and seems not to want lane 1; they are coming in for S5 – Bø clear, Peiffer 1 spare, Hofer 2 spares. Out in order Bø, Peiffer (+1.7), Hofer (+18.4), Malyshko (+47.8), Moravec and Nelin (+53.4). Doherty clear for USA – 8th; Desthieux 1 spare and out 13th, +2:06.5. JoBø is pulling away a little on the lap; Hofer has lost another 7 seconds and Malyshko is also losing ground. At 4.7 Km Peiffer is 9.1 back; Hofer 27.3 – seems JoBø is happy with lane 1 this time! So, S6 – wind very calm – Bø has missed his first and 1 more, clear with 2 spares. Peiffer has used 1 spare and out 2nd, +7.7; Hofer has used all 3 spares and out 3rd, +35.6. Moravec clear and out 4th, +1:03.4 – Malyshko needed all 3 spares so he’s 5th, +1:15.4. Sean Doherty has gone clear and out 8th, but Desthieux has used all 3 spares this time – out 12th, +2:24.0. Peiffer is losing time (+15.7 at 7.2 Km), but not as much as Hofer! In for the final exchange – Norway lead, ahead of Germany (+15.4), and Italy (+56.9). Then CZE/RUS/SWE (+1:41.8). USA in 7th, France 10th, but +2:30.7 – a bit much even for Martin F! Benedikt Doll has closed a little on Christiansen, as has Windisch; Martin F has gained 3 places, although the time gap is the same as it was at the exchange. Christiansen in for S7 – he’s clear, and so is Doll – out 9.5 behind. Windisch has missed his first and 1 more – 2 spares and out but over a minute back. Samuelsson has missed 1 but he’s out 4th, +1:42.8, ahead of Krcmar and Loginov; Martin Fourcade has missed 3; he’s avoided the loop but is out 12th. Windisch and Samuelsson are gaining on the lap, but they ned to go flat out! The snow is now even heavier as the leaders come in for the last shoot; Doll has closed but he doesn’t have a good average in standing this season – Christiansen has cleared all 5 – great effort!  Benedikt Doll has cleared them but he needed 2 spares – out 18.7 behind. Windisch has missed 2; he needed all 3 spares and Samuelsson is also having problems. Out in order Christiansen, Doll, Windisch, Loginov, Krcmar and Samuelsson. Martin F clear this time and out 8th; Christiansen is pulling away from Doll on the lap, but that’s the top 2 positions determined – how about the final podium place? Windisch looks safe; Loginov has Samuelsson close behind. So, Norway (0+7) win, with Germany (0+9) in silver and Italy (0+14) getting bronze. Russia have held on to 4th, ahead of Sweden and the Czech Republic. France (0+15) in 8th, although I didn’t notice (cameras on the leaders) poor Leif Nordgren ended up doing 3 penalty loops, dropping USA to 19th, just above the lapped teams. At exchange 3 he took over at 0+8; as he finished on 3+13 it seems he must have done one shoot with 2 spares and the 3 loops on the other, after using the other 3 spares? Anyway, well done Norway (and especially Tiril for shooting better today), and well done Germany (especially Denise!).

Östersund – IBU World Championships - Women’s 7.5 Km Sprint, 8 March: It looks a bit gloomy – some discussion about whether the tracks will get faster or slower today! Most teams seem to have mixed up their groups just in case. Anyway, race on and Valj Semerenko is first away. It seems the wind has picked up a bit on the range, where Valj is just coming in for S1 – she’s missed the first, and 1 more. Megan Bankes has cleared, as has Starykh. Doro Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi are both away. Selina Gasparin has cleared at S1, and is currently fastest out of the range, ahead of Joanne Reid (USA) and Bankes; Tiril Eckhoff has missed 1 and is out 4th. Alimbekava (BLR) has just cleared and leads after S1; Beaudry into 3rd there. Julia Simon has missed 1; Doro has missed 2 at S1, Gontier has missed 3 – Italy not going well so far. Roeiseland has gone through 1.3 Km in exactly the same time as Eckhoff. Vittozzi in for S1 and shooting fast but she’s missed 1; Eckhoff through 4.6 Km, and now ahead of Gasparin despite the penalty. At S2 no one is yet 10/10 – now there’s Reid, who did it while I was typing! Tiril Eckhoff has missed another one (1,1) but Alimbekava is 10/10 and faster than Reid. Roeiseland has missed 2 at S1; Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold is clear at S1 and fastest there so far. Doro is clear at S2, and out just 12.5 behind Alimbekava, in 2nd place! Johanna Talihaerm (EST) was clear at S1 and in touch but she’s missed 1 at S2; Öberg has missed 1 at S1, but Mona Brorsson is clear and the fastest here at present. Kuzmina has missed 1 at S1, but Kaisa M is clear and 7.0 faster than Brorsson. Clare Egan (1,0) is going well; Doro has had a fall on her final lap, catching a ski in the soft stuff and that’s cost her at least 10 seconds – she’s over the line just 0.6 behind Eckhoff! Tandrevold is gaining time on the final lap; Hanna Öberg is 1,0 as she leaves S2 – just 16.0 behind Tandrevold, and 10 seconds ahead of Doro. Brorsson has missed 1 at S2 – out 5th, as Kuzmina has just cleared at S2 and leads by 1.9. Kaisa M has fallen, like Doro, and she’s missed 2 at S2 as well. Tandrevold is over the line, in the lead – ahead of Eckhoff and Wierer with Egan 4th. Laura Dahlmeier and Franzi Hildebrand clear at S1 but a bit off the pace; Franzi has missed 1 at S2 but Laura is 10/10; out 3rd, +12.6 – behind Kuzmina who had 1 penalty, and currently leads at 7.1 Km. Kuzmina over the line in the lead, a quite unbelievable final kilometre; Tandrevold in 2nd, ahead of Öberg, Brorsson, Eckhoff and Wierer. Back at S1 Franzi Preuß is clear but 20 seconds off the pace in 9th; Denise Herrmann clear at S1 and out 5th, +11.9 (against Kaisa’s time). Laura Dahlmeier has held on, and she’s over the line in 3rd. Yurlova-Percht (0,1) into 6th; Franzi Preuß has missed 1 at S2, Herrmann has missed 2 – out 15th, +37.5. Apparently Kuzmina (1,0) has a sore throat and raced against advice – which makes her pace even more astonishing! Looks like a win for Kuzmina, ahead of Tandrevold (0,0; what a performance from her – best Norwegian) and Dahlmeier (0,0; also not at full power); Öberg (1,0) in 4th, ahead of Brorsson (0,1) and Davidova (1,0) – however, what a final lap,  Denise Herrmann (0,2) into 6th, and that’s how it ended! Lisa Vittozzi fastest on the range, ahead of Crawford and Kuzmina; Denise Herrmann quickest around the course, ahead of Roeiseland, Eckhoff, Kaisa M, Davidova and Kuzmina.

Östersund – IBU World Championships - Men’s 10 Km Sprint, 9 March: Quite a few big names going fairly early on – there is apparently a storm coming in, and the commentary team expect snow soon. Maybe the very early starters can get a lap in before the snow? Philipp Nawrath fast at 2.1 Km, even quicker than Rastorgujevs; good skis or going too hard early on? Dominik Landertinger in for S1 in good conditions; he’s cleared all 5 as the snow starts. Nawrath also clear and out 16.6 ahead of Landertinger. Scott Gow, Garanichev and Jacquelin have all missed 1, but Rastorgujevs is clear and just 7.7 behind. The snow has started in earnest, that’s going to slow things down. Tarjei Bø has cleared at S1, and he’s only 2.7 behind Nawrath. JoBø has started; Christiansen has missed 1 at S1, Femling has missed 2. Simon Eder is a bit slow on the tracks, but his shooting is quick and accurate; out 5th; QFM is also clear and faster. Landertinger is at S2, 1 miss; Eberhard has missed 1 at S1. Nawrath has also missed 1 at S2; Tarjei has been gaining on him on the lap too. Lukas Hofer isn’t having a good day, 3 misses at S1. Tarjei Bø in for S2 – shooting fast but he’s missed his last 2 shots. JoBø is clear at S1 and 8.8 faster than Nawrath. Sean Doherty is the first to go 10/10, but he’s 24.4 behind Nawrath’s time. The snow has eased off; Christiansen is 1,1. Samuelsson clear at S1, Simon Eder clear at S2 but slower than Nawrath – however Quentin FM has also gone 10/10 and he’s out 21.6 ahead of Nawrath. Alex Loginov clear at S1, so is Arnd Peiffer, although he’s a bit slower. Martin Fourcade is away; Pidruchnyi is 10/10 and just 4.4 behind QFM. JoBø has missed 1 at S2 but he’s still out 6.1 faster than QFM. Erik Lesser is also 10/10 and that was a very fast shoot but he’s 20.8 behind; Desthieux also 10/10 and 4 seconds faster than Erik. Samuelsson has missed 3 at S2, but Alex Loginov is clear - out just 0.2 ahead of JoBø. Arnd Peiffer has missed 1 at S2 as well. At the finish Pidruchnyi has just missed the top spot, 0.3 behind QFM. JoBø (0,1) is over the line, 16.5 faster than QFM (0,0). Martin F is clear at S1, out 6th, +17.7. Erik Lesser (0,0) over the line in 4th, but Desthieux (0,0) has dropped him to 5th by coming in 4th at present. Benedikt Doll clear at S1; out 3rd, +11.1 – very quick shooting. Alex Loginov 0,0) over the line in 2nd; Martin F in for S2 – and he’s clear too, but 9.8 behind Bø! Oops, Doll has missed 2 at S2, but Bjøntegaard is 10/10 and out 8th, +23.3. At the finish it’s currently JoBø in the lead, ahead of Loginov, QFM, Pidruchnyi, Desthieux and Lesser. What is amazing is that Martin Fourcade, who was just 9.8 behind Bø at S2, is 31.0 behind at 9.5 km – he’s over the line in 6th having lost over 20 seconds on that final lap. The snow is back and the light fading; Bjøntegaard over the line in 7th ahead of Lesser, Peiffer and Weger. That looks like it – another win for JoBø despite the 1 penalty loop. Erik Lesser fastest on the range ahead of Lapshin and Doll; JoBø quickest on the tracks, ahead of QFM, Loginov, Doll, Pidruchnyi and Kühn.

Spindleruv Mlyn – Women’s Giant Slalom, 8 March: Run 1 course set by an Austrian coach – conditions arguably a bit warmer than ideal. At present Mikaela Shiffrin leads the GS standings by 455 to Tessa Worley’s 375; apparently Shiffrin has already won the Super G globe, as the Rosa Khutor race was cancelled! Right – race is on and Federica Brignone is first away on the final GS before the World Cup races. She is safely down, and seems happy with that run. Tessa Worley next – she’s slightly red at inter 1, 0.42 off Brignone’s time at inter 2, and the same at 3 – she’s +0.72 behind at the finish. Vikki Rebensburg is bib 3, and green at inter 1; this is looking good – almost a full second ahead at inter 3, she’s 0.61 ahead at the finish! Wendy Holdener can’t match Vikki – in fact she can’t match Worley either, rather low in the line – she’s 4th, +1.91. Now for Petra Vlhova, but she’s over half a second down at inter 1; pulling time back though and she’s only 0.09 behind at inter 3 – brilliant final section and she leads by 0.48 – what a recovery! Next to go is Mikaela Shiffrin – green at inter 1, but into the red at 2, and almost a second behind Vlhova at inter 3 – well, there’s a surprise, she’s getting low and late in the line and is only 4th at the finish, +1.33! She’s fallen in the finish, hopefully no damage. Amazing recovery from Ragnhild Mowinckel, but that’s spoiled her run – 7th, +3.24. This is a tricky course and a real test of stamina! Meta Hrovat into 6th; Marta Bassino looking good at inter 2 but losing time lower down – into 7th. Stjernesund into 9th – with 10 away Vlhova leads from Rebensburg, Brignone and Shiffrin, Worley in 5th; track beginning to rut. Now, Frida Hansdotter is green at inter 1 but she’s drifted into the green at 2; like so many (apart from Vlhova) she’s lost time to inter 3 – she’s 6th at present, +1.98. At the moment only Vikki R is within a second of Petra Vlhova. Sara Hector has fallen 3 gates from home – seems OK. First TV break with 15 away – no change to the top 6 since Hansdotter. Sofia Goggia was going well on the upper section but she’s fallen – up quickly and skiing on down.  Katharina Truppe has gone 9th, the highest bib number (22) in the top 10 so far. Now that was a nice run – Eva-Maria Brem (bib 25) in touch all the way, and she’s into 5th, +1.71. Here comes Alex Tilley – just 0.06 off the pace at inter 1, but losing time lower down – into 21st at present. It’s not quite over yet – Alice Robinson (NZL, bib 32 – junior champion) has had a storming run – she’s into 9th, +2.02 – great effort!
Run 2: After such an impressive first run, I think Petra Vlhova deserves this one! Apparently it’s been raining a little between the two runs? Three way tie for 29th place after run 1, so 31 on run 2. Coralie Frasse Sombet first away, and safely down on a course set by a Norwegian coach. Camille Rast (SUI) into 2nd; Marlene Schmotz (GER) has taken the lead. Top 3 staying in place at present; Alex Tilley a bit late in the line and 5th. Maria Therese Tviberg (NOR) into 2nd; fellow Norwegian Kaja Norbye goes 4th. Andrea Ellenberger (SUI) has fallen and is into the soft snow – she is up and carrying on down. Now, Kristin Lysdahl is on course – 0.60 in hand at the start; she’s lost almost all of it by inter 2, just red at 3 but she’s nicked the lead by just 0.06 at the finish! Next away – Mina Fuerst Holtmann; she’s gained time to inter 1, and even more to 2 – lovely skiing and she leads by 0.47 (lost a bit on the final turns). Norwegians everywhere – next is Ragnhild Mowinckel, who skis everything! She’s red by inter 2 – into 2nd. Half way through – Holtmann leads from Mowinckel and Lysdahl – an all Norwegian podium at present! Schmotz in 4th, ahead of Tviberg and Frasse Sombet. Ricarda Haaser the first after the break; she’s holding on to her lead at inter 1 but it’s halved by 2 – pulled a bit back by 3 and a really superb final section gets her the lead by 0.70! Now Wendy Holdener will be disappointed with her first run; she has 0.39 in hand – it’s more than halved by inter 1, just green at 2, red at 3 – into 3rd. Katharina Truppe the next Austrian – 0.49 advantage; lost a bit at 1, holding on at 2, she takes the lead by 0.13; Austria first and second. Marta Bassino into 3rd – too many errors; Alice Robinson next – going well at the top but a massive error - somehow stayed on the course and into 8th. Meta Hrovat next away, and she’s gaining time, even more by inter 2 – she leads by 0.66; very impressive! Best time on run 2 so far. Hansdotter into 4th; Tessa Worley into 2nd; now Brem takes over 2nd place. Now, Mikaela Shiffrin, trying to win her first GS globe; 0.67 in hand at the start, it’s 0.87 at inter 1, 0.77 at 2, 0.88 at 3 and she leads by 1.23 – an amazing final section! That’s the new fastest time on run 2 – Federica Brignone next away, and it’s started to snow – she’s into the red at inter 1; she’s 2nd, +0.89. Just 2 to go – Vikki Rebensburg has 0.85 in hand at the start – very slight loss to inter 1, gained a bit to 2, she leads by 0.49! So, Petra Vlhova has 0.48 to play with; 0.15 in the red  at inter 2, 0.06 red at 3 and she was awesome on the final section on run 1 – she’s done it again by 0.11! Well done Petra Vlhova, great win, Vikki Rebensburg in 2nd and Mikaela Shiffrin takes the final podium place. That puts Shiffrin 97 points ahead of Vlhova in the GS standings with 1 race to go!

Spindleruv Mlyn – Women’s Slalom, 9 March: Looks a bit gloomy; Shiffrin has already wrapped up the slalom and overall globes, and needs just 4 more points to get the GS globe as well. Petra Vlhova first away on a course set by a Swedish coach, and safely down; bib 2 is Mikaela Shiffrin and she’s flying despite the falling snow and poor vis – she leads by a massive 1.33! Wendy Holdener is more in touch – she goes 2nd, +0.37; those top 3 places staying unchanged for a while. Frida Hansdotter is bib 7 – she’s a bit off the pace but settling lower down the course - into 3rd, +1.28. The combination of snow and flat light is making this a real test. Ten away; Shiffrin leads from Holdener and Hansdotter, Vlhova in 4th. Kristin Lysdahl is working hard – into 6th; Erin Mielzynski has straddled – first DNF of the day. First TV break – no change to the top 4. The snow seems to have eased a little, Emelie Wikström into 9th – the first change to the top 10 since Lysdahl. The snow/sleet seems to be back and the course is getting more rutted – hard to even get into the top 20; Elena Stoffel (bib 30) is 20th! That’s another good effort, Gabriela Capova (CZE, bib 34) into 19th. No more surprises; top 10 unchanged and run 1 over.
Run 2: The weather is a bit better – still gloomy but the snow has stopped; this course set by a Canadian. Ylva Staalnacke (SWE) is the first away; Ana Bucik goes second by just 0.01! Michaela Dygruber into the lead, but not for long as Marlene Schmotz has really put the hammer down – she leads by 0.75. Irene Curtoni into 3rd; with 10 away Elena Stoffel has just skied into the lead, ahead of Maren Skjøld. All change though as Mina Holtmann, who has been red all the way until the final section, has skied the final section brilliantly and leads by 0.22. Gabriela Capova next – green at inter 2 and 3 but she hasn’t done so well on the final turns – into 3rd. Noens into 4th, Dürr goes 5th. Katharina Truppe is going well – started with 0.27 in hand, half a second ahead by inter 1, 0.86 at 2, much the same at inter 3 and she leads by 0.75 – fastest on run 2 so far! Aline Danioth away after the break – red all the way but in touch – into 3rd, just 0.02 behind Holtmann. Katharina Huber was looking good until inter 3, but she struggled with the final turns – 8th. Charlotta Saefvenberg good on the upper sections, and has managed to hold it together on the final section too – into 2nd, +0.72. Now, Meta Hrovat – 0.30 advantage, almost gone by inter 1, just red at 2 but still in touch, and she goes 2nd, +0.50. Christina Geiger has gone 3rd; currently Truppe leads from Hrovat and Geiger. Good final section from Emelie Wikström, pulling back from a potential 5th to go 3rd. Eight to go, and another break. Anna Swenn Larsson next away – she’s held on to the green light until inter 3 – into 2nd, +0.12; Schild has straddled.  Now, Kristin Lysdahl has almost a full second to play with – she’s lost well over half by inter 1, but then she’s holding on – lost a bit more on the final turns and into 2nd! That’s 11 places that Truppe has gained so far; Liensberger has skied out just three gates in.  Next is Petra Vlhova, -1.39 as she starts – she is losing time but that was a generous amount in hand – she leads by 0.60 – the 6th fastest on run 2. Frida Hansdotter is already in the red by inter 1, more affected by the ruts – she’s only 5th at the finish. Now Wendy Holdener, 0.96 ahead as she starts her run – she’s gained time to inter 1 and 2, and a bit more to inter 3 – what a great run and she leads by 1.18! That was impressive (but 5th best on run 2!). Now, Mikaela Shiffrin has lost a tiny bit to inter 1, got it all back plus a bit by 2, gained more to 3 and she wins again, by 0.85! Another brilliant performance – Shiffrin’s 39th slalom victory! Well done to Holdener and Vlhova, and congratulations to Truppe – 12 places gained, and the best time on run 2.

Kranjska Gora – Men’s Giant Slalom, 9 March: Not good – start postponed for 2 hours due to fog. After that delay it looks like a good day – certainly nicer than the conditions the women are experiencing, but a bit warm! Alexis Pinturault will be first away – he is, I think, the only one who could stop Marcel Hirscher winning an 8th overall title? One error, and there’s a very steep finish – Pinturault safely down on a course set by a French coach. Zan Kranjec has made an early mistake but he’s pulled back some time by inter 3 – into 2nd, +0.25 – good recovery! Loic Meillard green at inter 3 but he’s lost time lower down – into 2nd. The salt hasn’t taken on all the gates apparently – so some are hard and icy, some softer! Olsson into 4th, and now it’s Marcel Hirscher – 0.01 red at inter 1, just green at 2, just red at 3 and he’s made an error, into 2nd, +0.14. Henrik Kristoffersen has found his form again; slightly red at inter 1 but then green all the way and he leads by 0.27. Leif Haugen into 3rd; Luca de Aliprandini is living dangerously – great recoveries but he’s just 13th. Ted Ligety away number 15 – bit off the pace again, and only 14th. TV break – Kristoffersen leads from Pinturault, Leif K N-H, then Hirscher, Meillard and Kranjec. Manu Feller (bib 14) the highest start number in the top 10 – he’s 8th. Good run from Rasmus Windingstad – he’s into 7th, +0.67; Norwegians going well here, with 3 in the top 10 at present. Second TV break – no recent change to the top 6. Good effort from Cedric Noger (SUI, bib 29) to get into 9th! That’s really it for run 1.
Run 2: Now, because of the delays, we don’t seem to have live coverage with commentary – bit annoying! Fritz Dopfer second to go, and that’s a much better run from him – he leads by 0.72. Erik Read has gained time to inter 1, lost a bit to 2, gained again to 3 and he leads by 0.47. Stefan Brennsteiner has gained a lot to inter 2, but has made a couple big errors to 3 and is in the red there – slight recovery lower to go 2nd, +0.13; he knows that could have been a lot faster!! Reto Schmidiger into 3rd; Ted Ligety 4th. Sam Maes (BEL) is going well – green all the way to inter 3 and then gaining time on the final turns as well – he leads by 0.56! Filip Zubcic slowly losing time all the way, but still just green at inter 3 – into 2nd. A similar story for Alex Schmidt, who ended up 3rd; for some reason the video coverage has frozen! Every time I refresh I get the blasted advert again, then the final seconds of Zubcic’s run – very unimpressive, Eurosport! Tommy Ford into 3rd, Victor M-J is 5th. Video isn’t coming back, it seems; from the FIS live data feed I can see that Marco Odermatt is going well – he leads by 0.71, ahead of Maes and Zubcic; I’ve changed browser and it’s still the same – meanwhile Trevor Philp has gone 2nd ! Ryan C-S into 3rd, and Manu Feller has now taken over that place. Good run from Cedric Noger (I think) – he’s gone 2nd; Marco Odermatt has gained 6 places so far! Matts Olsson has lost almost all his advantage by inter 1; he’s drifting further into the red, and he goes 5th. Next away is Rasmus Windingstad – he’s gained a little at inter 2,  lost some at 3 but he’s skied the last bit well – he leads by 0.32. Now, Zan Kranjec only has 0.15 advantage and it’s gone by inter 1 – he’s 5th. Loic Meillard into 4th and now it’s Hirscher – into the red at inter 2 and he’s 4th – not one of his better days! Video back, no reason that I can see. Leif K N-H has crashed out just a couple gates from the finish – Alexis Pinturault on course – even he is red by inter 2, losing time on the final section and he’s 4th! Well, we are going to have a Norwegian winner, whatever happens – Henrik Kristoffersen has gained a bit to inter 1, lost 0.30 by 2, steadied it and he wins, but by just 0.24. Kristoffersen takes it, from Windingstad and Odermatt (best time on run 2); Noger in 4th, ahead of Pinturault and Hirscher. Vikings seem very happy with that result; not sure yet what that does to the overall situation – Hirscher got 40 points to take him to 1448; Pinturault got 45 which puts him on 963 (485 behind) – Kristoffersen now on 908.

Kranjska Gora – Men’s Slalom, 10 March: Hot news – apparently Pinturault has said he will not be racing the downhill in Andorra, so Marcel Hirscher has taken the overall – that gives him 20 globes, equalling Lindsey Vonn’s record! Meanwhile Mikaela Shiffrin’s win yesterday sets a new record of 15 wins in a year! No delay today, and Daniel Yule (currently second in the slalom standings) is the first away. Henrik Kristoffersen next out and he’s faster – green at inter 3 and a good final section too – he leads by 0.64. Now, Ramon Zenhaeusern – red at inter 1 and 2 and even redder at 3; into 3rd, +0.90. It’s quite warm already; Alexis Pinturault is bib 4 – nice technique but in the red; he’s 2nd, +0.62. Michael Matt is into the soft stuff and he’s out; Marcel Hirscher is next, and he doesn’t seem to like this softer snow here – he’s making errors and into the red – he goes 4th, +0.81! That course isn’t looking good, very sugary despite all the salt – Clement Noel can’t make much of an impression – into 6th, +1.52 and we haven’t even had 10 racers down the piste yet. Manu Feller into 6th; Manfred Mölgg is more in touch – despite all the ruts he’s into 2nd, +0.57. Christian Hirschbühl has tripped over a gate – that looked a bit nasty but he’s on his feet. Dave Ryding next – he’s in touch at the top but losing a little of his rhythm lower down – into 8th, +1.13. Loic Meillard another victim of the soft snow, and out; Andre Myhrer into 5th, pushing Hirscher down to 6th. Fifteen away, Kristoffersen leads from Mölgg and Pinturault; Yule 4th ahead of Myhrer and Hirscher. I think the chance of any late charges here are fairly remote – these aren’t the sort of conditions that most race skiers train for! It’s already 9 degrees in Kranjska Gora and forecast to rise to 15 or so for run 2! Lizeroux has straddled and Popov has fallen and is another DNF. Thirty away, no changes to the top 10 since Myhrer went 5th. Laurie Taylor among the DNFs – run 1 over – not an exciting race, and given the conditions I’m not expecting much from run 2 either!
Run 2: That’s a tricky looking set for run 2, not sure who set it (an Austrian coach, apparently). Six away – nice run from Sandro Simonet to go into the lead, ahead of fellow Swiss Reto Schmidiger with Filip Zubcic (CRO) in 3rd. Matej Vidovic into 3rd; Linus Strasser looked set to take the lead, but lost time on the final 10 gates to end up second. Good run from Istok Rodes (CRO) – red at inter 3 but he’s still into 2nd; that’s close – Alex Khoroshilov into 2nd, just 0.08 behind Simonet. The fans are on their feet for Stefan Hadalin; he’s losing time but is still green at inter 3, but the final gates have cost him time as well – into 6th. Leif K N-Haugen gained a bit between inter 2 and 3; he too has lost time to the line, almost a snag on the final gates, good recovery, and he leads as we go to the half way break, ahead of Simonet and Khoroshilov. That’s a better run from Victor M-J, he’s lost time but had enough of an advantage to take over the lead. That’s nice to see, Felix Neureuther has actually gained time on the lower section and he leads by 0.54 (only 0.24 ahead at inter 3 too!). Stefano Gross green all the way, and he nicks the lead by just 0.05. Clement Noel green at inter 2, just barely green at inter 3 and he crosses the line to tie with Gross for the lead. Next is Dave Ryding – 0.44 in hand – 0.62 at inter 1, 0.58 at 2, 0.31 at 3 but he too has lost time on the final gates, as he did on run 1 – he goes 4th, +0.22. Manu Feller has a good advantage – he’s lost a bit on the way down, but crucially didn’t lose on the final gates – he leads by 0.79. Now Ramon Zenhaeusern has just 0.07 at the start – he’s gaining time despite a big error earlier – 0.62 green by inter 3 and a really storming final section – he leads by 1.23, and that’s the best time for run 2 by some way! Marcel Hirscher next – he’s into the red at inter 1, and not even he can match Zenhaeusern – he goes 2nd, but +1.17 – he really doesn’t like this snow! Andre Myhrer also red at inter 1, and over a second back at inter 3 – he’s into 4th. Four to go – Daniel Yule on course; he too is red at inter 1 and getting redder, still in touch though and he goes into 4th. Now, Alexis Pinturault – again red at 1 but looking in touch – but he too has lost a lot on the last few gates to go 5th. There are some quite deep ruts on the course now; Manfred Mölgg is red at inter 1, and almost a second off the pace at inter 3 – he’s gone into 5th; Hirscher will be on the podium! Just Henrik Kristoffersen to come – 0.90 in hand at the start – it’s down to 0.37 green at inter 1 but he’s held it to 0.31 green at 2, just 0.03 red at inter 3 – he’s lost over a full second to the finish – he goes second, +1.15, beating Hirscher by just 2 hundredths. So, a better race than I expected – great win for Ramon Zenhaeusern, Kristoffersen in 2nd, just fractionally ahead of Marcel Hirscher. Feller in 4th, ahead of Yule and Mölgg. That cements Hirscher’s overall globe win – no matter who skis what race in Andorra! Sandro Simonet still second fastest on run 2, and he gained 10 places to finish 15th; Dave Ryding finished up in 12th.

Östersund – IBU World Championships - Women’s 10 Km Pursuit, 10 March: Now, that’s more like winter sport conditions – cold, windy and snowing. It seems Kuzmina isn’t that unwell, as she’s starting today! Twenty women within a minute of the leader as the race starts. At 1.6 km Kuzmina has a 17 second lead, over Denise Herrmann who is up to 2nd, then Öberg, Tandrevold, Dahlmeier and Brorsson. Kuzmina is in for S1, she’s missed the first 2. Öberg has missed 1, Dahlmeier and Herrmann shooting slowly but they have both cleared all 5; Roeiseland among those missing 1. Out in order Dahlmeier, Tandrevold, Herrmann, Brorsson and Eckhoff (+10.8) – all 5/5. Kuzmina 7th, +26.2, Doro W (1 miss) in 9th, +28.7 but Kaisa M has missed 2 and is 12th, +1:02.4. It seems to be getting windier? Herrmann now leading but Brorsson is going with her – the leading group are coming in for the second prone – both Herrmann and Brorsson clear and away, Tandrevold has missed 1 and Wierer has missed 4! Really heavy snow now and very windy – after S2, the order is Herrmann, Brorsson, Dahlmeier, Eckhoff (+12.1) – all clear; then Tandrevold and Öberg (1,1). Kuzmina has missed 2 more, so has Kaisa, Doro 1,4 and over 2 minutes back. Denise Herrmann is almost in for the first standing shoot – she’s missed her first two, but the other 3 are cleared; Brorsson has cleared all 5, Eckhoff has missed 2, Dahlmeier 1. Öberg has missed 1, Tandrevold 2, Kuzmina 2. So, Mona Brorsson leads out ahead of Dahlmeier (+32.6), Herrmann (+33.3), Eckhoff (+57.5) and Öberg (+58.7). Pavlova is 15/15 and 7th from 24th at the start, +1:20.3. Brorsson has a full penalty loop in hand, Dahlmeier has lost some 6 seconds on the lap and so has Eckhoff. Brorsson in for her final shoot; first shot has missed and the third – she’s missed 4 in all, but Denise Herrmann has cleared the lot – so have Dahlmeier and Eckhoff. Now, Denise Herrmann (you beauty) is away, Laura Dahlmeier out 2nd (+22.1) with Eckhoff 3rd, +29.5. Brorsson out 4th, +1:26.0. Now, at 8.8 km Eckhoff has closed down on Laura D; Denise H away and opening up the gap; Öberg past Brorsson. At 9.6 km Laura is just 0.2 ahead of Tiril Eckhoff. Denise Herrmann (0,0,2,0) cruises to the win, thrilling sprint for the remaining podium places – Eckhoff (0,0,2,0) has just taken it from Laura Dahlmeier (0,0,1,0). Roeiseland (2,0,1,1) in 4th, ahead (just) of Öberg (1,1,1,2) with Kuzmina (2,2,2,1) in 6th. Mona Brorsson in 7th. Among those gaining places – obviously Herrmann (6 to 1st), Eckhoff (9-2), Roeiseland (25-4), Pavlova (24-9), Vittozzi (21-10), Magnusson (43-11), Haecki (53-14, and fastest on the range), Merkushyna (28-15), Vitková (38-16), Persson (42-21),Hildebrand (40-22), Dunklee (57-24 and Tomingas (50-28). Going the “wrong way” Kuzmina (1-6), Tandrevold (2-8), Yurlova (8-19), Wierer (10-20), Preuß (16-27), Reid (15-32), Alimbekava (13-35), Selina Gasparin (30-43), Elena Kruchinkina (36-44) and Crawford (18 to lapped & DNF). Good race, especially for the ”other two” podium places.

Östersund – IBU World Championships - Men’s 12.5 Km Pursuit, 10 March: Fifty seconds separating the top 10; but you’d be brave to bet against JoBø surely? The wind is strong, apparently stronger than it was for the women’s race and there’s supposed to be a snow storm coming through – looks pretty much OK at present. JoBø at S1 already – fairly quick and he’s cleared all 5; Loginov has missed 1, QFM 2, Desthieux 3! Lesser clear, Peiffer has missed 1 however, Martin F is clear! After S1 – JoBø leads ahead of Martin F (+39.0), Loginov (1 miss, +46.5), Lesser, Weger. Tarjei Bø (+1:08.8). By 4.6 km JoBø has pulled out over 12 seconds on Fourcade, and the chasing group are also falling back. Johannes is at S2 with at least a penalty loop in hand; he’s missed 1 but he’s away before Fourcade and Loginov are in. Both are clear, and so is Erik Lesser – JoBø still leading, ahead of Martin F (+33.3), Loginov (+33.5), Lesser (+34.7), Weger (+47.1) and Tarjei Bø (+55.6). JoBø has the gap back up to almost 50 seconds as he heads for S3 – 1 miss again. The chasing 4 are in – none of them clear but Tarjei and Guigonnat are clear here. So, JoBø (0,1,1) leads, ahead of Pidruchnyi (2,0,0; +48.0), Tarjei (0,0,0), Guigonnat (0,0,0), QFM (2,0,0) and Garanichev (0,0,0; +55.6). Loginov in 7th, Martin F 9th, Lesser 12th. At 8.8 km JoBø is almost a full minute ahead! Johannes in for his last shoot – first 2 missed, so did the 4th but he’s out an doing his loops. Pidruchnyi (2,0,0,0) is clear and out in the lead 15.1 ahead of JoBø (0,1,1,3). QFM (2,0,0,1) is 3rd, +23.8 ahead of Tarjei (0,0,0,1; +24.9), Martin F (0,0,2,0; +31.0) and Rastorgujevs (0,0,1,0; +37.6). At 11.3 km JoBø has cut the gap to 13.2; QFM still holding on to the bronze. At 12.1 JoBø is +10.5, QFM and Tarjei having a good fight, Martin F not catching them. What a race for Dmytro Pidruchnyi (UKR) – a massive personal best, and what a time to do it! JoBø gets silver and QFM has won the sprint for the bronze. Tarjei in 4th, Martin F 5th and Rastorgujevs gets 6th. Best German was Erik Lesser in 11th! Gainers include Pidruchnyi (4 to 1st), Tarjei (13-4), Rastorgujevs (14-6), Guigonnat (20-7), Garanichev (19-9), Eder (20/20, and 15-10), Samuelsson (29-16), Windisch (27-17), Krupcik (30-18), Christiansen (31-23), Krcmar (44-24) Bormolini (43-26), and Eliseev (51-35). Those losing ground include Loginov (2-14), Bjøntegaard (7-15), Nawrath (12-21), Fak (17-27), Desthieux (5-32), Bauer (18-36), Anev (28-39), Nordgren (34-44), Hidensalo (25-47) and Hasilla (39-57). That was a much better race than I expected.

Östersund – IBU World Championships - Women’s 15 Km Individual, 12 March: Many of the favourites in groups 1 and 2 it seems; conditions don’t look too bad, doesn’t seem too windy? Now, this is the event where every miss incurs a one minute penalty, rather than just a penalty loop, so good shooting really is at a premium. Iryna Kryuko is first away; Kuzmina fastest at the first split time at present. Kryuko in for S1 and she’s missed 2; Zhuravok (UKR) clear and so is Paulina Fialkova, who is 34 seconds faster. Kuzmina has missed 4 at S1, so has Alimbekava – the wind isn’t too strong but it is shifting around. Just 2 clear at S1 so far; Solemdal has just become the 3rd and Runggaldier has joined them too. Kaisa has missed 1, so have Simon and Chevalier but Davidova is clear; if she finishes in the top 4 today, she will win the Individual globe. Bendika and Talihaerm also clear at S1, and so is Roeiseland. Fialkova in for S2 – standing in this event as they alternate – and she’s 10/10; Kuzmina has missed 1 more. Preuß and Persson both clear at S1; Tandrevold has missed 1. Franzi Hildebrand at S2 – now 1,0, Solemdal has missed 1 at S2; Dahlmeier clear at S1, as is Öberg. Wind is up again and Kaisa has missed 3 at S2; Davidova has missed her first and last. Eckhoff in for S1 – 2 misses; Roeiseland has missed 1 at S2, but just 46 seconds off the pace. Preuß has missed 2 at S2; Fialkova is now 15/15; Zhuravok is too but she’s 1:47.1 behind despite her good shooting. Kuzmina now 4,1,1; Persson has missed 1 at S2, Tandrevold is 1,1. Doro W is clear at S1, and fast; Laura Dahlmeier is clear at S2, Hildebrand is 1,0,1. That will be popular here – Hanna Öberg is 10/10 and fractionally ahead of Fialkova. Davidova has missed her final shot at S3; Roeiseland has missed 2 – 0,1,2. Fialkova in for her final shoot – she’s missed her very last shot, but that’s still impressive. Doro has missed 2 at S2; Persson is 0,1,0 and currently 2nd after S3. Zhuravok is 20/20 but over a minute behind Fialkova. Laura D has missed 1 at S3; Öberg 15/15, and out 2nd, +12.8 against Fialkova. Lisa Vittozzi is 10/10 and fractionally behind Laura D; Hauser also 10/10 and in touch; Merkushyna has joined them on 10/10 and around 20 seconds back. Doro at S3, and clear this time – out 4th, +1:33.4. Linn Persson is 0,1,0,1 and out in 3rd – she loses that place to Haecki (1,1,0,0), who in turn loses it to Laura Dahlmeier (0,0,1,0) – Laura out 2nd, +1.0 behind Fialkova. Öberg in for her final shoot – she’s cleared all 20 and the crowd are delighted – she is almost 50 seconds ahead of Fialkova! Mona Brorsson clear at S3 (1,0,0) and out just ahead of Laura D, but Hauser is 15/15 and out 3rd, +44.3. Back at S2 Justine Braisaz is 10/10 and faster than Öberg. Vittozzi joins the 15/15 group – out 3rd, 16 seconds behind Öberg; Merkushyna is also 15/15 and 11 seconds behind Vittozzi. At the finish Laura D is over the line 6 seconds ahead of Fialkova, but Öberg is 39.7 faster at 14.3 km; she takes the lead by 39.5! Back at S4 Doro is 0,2,0,0 and out some 10 seconds behind Laura D; Hauser has gone 20/20, out 2nd, +42.5; Brorsson clear at S4, out 5th, +52.7 – some consolation for the pursuit! Braisaz is 0,0,1 but skiing fast. Vittozzi in for S4 – she’s also 20/20 and out 20.1 behind Hanna O; Merkushyna has missed 1 at S4. At the finish it’s Öberg leading, ahead of Dahlmeier, Fialkova, Hauser, Wierer and Haecki. Lisa Vittozzi is flying at 13.5 – she’s pulled back 4 seconds on Hanna O; Brorsson over the line in 4th. Vittozzi has lost that 4 seconds again by 14.3; Justine Braisaz is 0,0,1,0 and out after S4 in 3rd, +30.5. Vittozzi into 2nd – looks like Braisaz will knock Dahlmeier off the podium? Yes, is the short answer; Braisaz gets the bronze by 7 seconds. Dzhima is also 20/20, but almost 2 minutes back after S4. So, Hanna Öberg gets the gold medal, ahead of Vittozzi and Braisaz; Dahlmeier in 4th, then Fialkova and Brorsson. Doro in 8th, Tandrevold the best Norwegian in 18th.

Östersund – IBU World Championships - Men’s 20 Km Individual, 13 March: Gloomy looking day, bad light and it’s a tough course but the wind does seem to have eased (at times!). Some discussion about why Nikita Porshnev (RUS) is in the start list; a relative unknown and seems a slightly odd choice. Apparently the Russians have done this before and he won! Early starters at S1 – 3 of the first 5 are clear, Ondre Moravec the fastest out of the range. Twenty through S1 – Seb Samuelsson leads from Moravec 7 clear so far – Jeremy Finello also clear and just fractionally ahead of Seb S; Arnd Peiffer has just gone clear too and he’s 12.3 faster than Finello. All changing very quickly – Simon Desthieux has gone 7.4 faster than Arnd! Moravec has been a bit unlucky with the wind at S2 – 2 misses – no one 10/10 here yet, but back at S1 Lukas Hofer is clear and just quicker than Desthieux. Alex Loginov is at S1 – he’s fast but he’s missed his final shot. JoBø has just started – he’s apparently already won the crystal globe! Benedikt Doll also clear at S1 and just 2.1 off the lead. Now, Seb Samuelsson is the first to go 10/10; very nice (even if he was a bit lucky with the wind). Martin F in for S1 – he’s missed 1, and he’s a bit slow on the tracks as well. Arnd Peiffer in for S2 and the snow is getting heavier – he’s 10/10 and 7.6 faster than Samuelsson; Claude is also 10/10 but almost a minute behind the leading two. Desthieux has missed 2 at S2; Lukas Hofer has missed 1 but he’s skiing fast; out ahead of Claude. JoBø has just cleared at S1 and he’s 10.2 faster than Hofer; Erik Lesser also clear at S1 and out 5th. Doll has missed 1 at S2, but he’s still ahead of Hofer; Birkeland has joined the 10/10 group and he’s just ahead of Doll – very fast shooting! Samuelsson in for S3 and it’s windy this time – 4 out of 5 was pretty good in those conditions. Martin F is 1,1 and he’s over 3 minutes back despite only 2 minutes of penalties. Arnd Peiffer has gone 15/15 and he’s now 1:22.1 ahead; Claude also 15/15 and 4th at present. Hofer has missed 1 at S3; JoBø at S2 and he’s missed 2. Doll is now 0,1,1 but only 1:04.8 behind Arnd Peiffer (0,0,0). That’s interesting – Rastorgujevs is 10/10 and just faster than Peiffer! Back at S1 Tarjei Bø is clear and out 5th. Samuelsson in for S4 – he’s clear (0,0,1,0) and away – great shooting and the crowd are happy again! Jesper Nelin has missed his 10th shot; there’s good news – Arnd Peiffer in for S4 and he’s cleared all 20 today – the only one so far. At S3 Iliev (0,1,0) is skiing well – out 43.1 behind Peiffer. After S4 it’s Peiffer, Samuelsson (0,0,1,0 - +1:17.4), Hofer (0,1,1,0; + 1:23.4). JoBø has missed 1 at S3 (0,2,1); Erik Lesser is 0,1,0 and quicker than Iliev – both could be in the medals, depending on S4. Benedikt Doll has gone 0,1,1,1; out 4th, just better than Desthieux. Now, at S3 Rastorgujevs is 15/15 and 11.1 faster than Peiffer! Iliev at S4 – that was quick, and he’s cleared – out 2nd, +38.9. Arnd Peiffer is over the line in the lead; Martin F has missed his last 2 shots; Garanichev (0,0,1,0) out 4th after S4 and just 3.2 seconds behind Samuelsson. Christiansen is 15/15, and out 3rd but only just ahead of Lesser who has had 1 miss. Oops – Erik at S4 and he’s missed his 20th shot. Pity – Andrejs Rastorgujevs has missed 2 at S4. At the finish Arnd Peiffer leads; Vladimir Iliev (BUL; 0,1,0,0) into 2nd and Samuelsson (0,0,1,0) in 3rd. Hofer (2 misses) 4th, ahead of Desthieux (3) and Doll (3). Nelin is 0,1,0,2 after S4; Garanichev (0,0,1,0) over the line and into 6th, JoBø in 7th. Lesser losing time to Doll on the final lap – he’s 9th at the finish, at present. Interest now centres on Christiansen and Tarjei Bø; Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen is the second person to go 20/20 and he’s out 3rd, but just 16.7 seconds ahead of Samuelsson who had one miss. Tarjei Bø is doing better – he’s 0,1,0,0 and despite that 1 penalty he’s ahead of Christiansen. Now Iliev lost time on his final lap – at 18.8 km Tarjei is ahead of his time, but Christiansen seems to have lost nearly a minute; has he fallen?! Christiansen over the line in 7th; at 19.6 km Bø is now behind Iliev and seems to be fading a tiny bit? Tarjei is over the line – he’s third by 0.4 of a second! That’s it – well done to Arnd Peiffer; brilliant shooting today and fast enough to make use of it – he’s the Individual World Champion. Great result for Vladimir Iliev who just held on for second, ahead of Tarjei Bø in 3rd. Samuelsson in 4th, ahead of Hofer and Desthieux; JoBø in 9th, which I think gives him the Individual globe ahead of Christiansen – still not sure if he fell or was just exhausted on that final lap? Doll 10th, lesser 11th, Rastorgujevs in 13th, Martin Fourcade in 39th – he’s having an awful time of it!

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Men’s Downhill, 13 March: Well, only Dominik Paris can stop Beat Feuz winning the Downhill globe; he needs to win, with Feuz worse than 13th! It looks nice in Soldeu, sunny, minus 3 and hard snow (according to the FIS) – this is supposed to be a very technical downhill course. Matthias Mayer first away, he’s down, but about 2 seconds off the new course record that Paris set in practice yesterday. Roulin into 2nd, +1.49; Innerhofer goes into 2nd, +0.63; possibly the course is a bit slower today? Sejersted into 3rd; now, here comes Dominik Paris – green at inter 1 and staying there through inter 3; up to 0.40 green at inter 4 and fast through the speed gun – he leads by a very impressive 0.86. Well, he’s done his bit – he’s justifiably happy with that run! Kjetil Jansrud is away next – just green at inter 1, red at 2, 3 and 4 as the wind moves across the mountain – he goes 2nd, +0.34. Next is Beat Feuz – slightly red at inter 1, but a disappointing 0.70 red at 2 but then holding that sort of gap through to inter 4 despite a couple errors – fast through the final gun and into 3rd, +0.64. That surely should be enough for him to take the globe? Theaux off the pace, into 7th; Vincent Kriechmayr fractionally green at inter 1, but then red – in touch at inter 4, and he goes 3rd – Feuz down 1 place! Otmar Striedinger also slightly green at inter 1, and staying in touch in the pale red through inter 4 – he’s gone into 3rd! Kilde next away – bit greener at inter 1, but then redder at 2; he’s into 6th – no help to Paris! Ganong into 7th; the light is getting worse and the clouds are gathering – Bryce Bennett next, and he had a minor epic in training yesterday – into 12th. Hannes Reichelt next away – it sounds like he won’t be retiring; into 9th. Now, have the Swiss coaches asked the other Swiss racers to ease off a bit to safeguard Feuz’s globe – seems unlikely? Mauro Caviezel away – he was 2nd in training yesterday – he’s in touch all the way, and he’s into 4th. Carlo Janka next – fractionally green at inter 1, and nicely in touch at inter 3 – he’s had a bad season but this might be better – into 8th, +0.75. Several skiers have gone green at inter 1, but are losing ground against Paris lower down – Johan Clarey is no exception – into 11th. Ben Thomsen is almost a full second back by inter 2, but he’s losing less on the lower sections – into 14th. Now, Steve Nyman – nicely green at inter 1, but then almost a second back at 2 after a few minor errors – he goes 13th, and that is it – Beat Feuz will win the downhill globe for the second year! Good, courageous run from Josef Ferstl to go 7th; Bailet into 12th, and just 1 to go (I thought there would be 25 starters but there are only 22). Last away is Lars Rösti, the World Junior champion, and he’s green at inter 1 – in touch at inter 2 and then a few errors and he ends up 15th – great effort! So, well done Dominik Paris – another good win (his 4th of the year), but perhaps coming into form a little too late in the season – he’s second in the standings with 520 points to Beat Feuz’s 540. Kjetil Jansrud second, and Otmar Striedinger in 3rd. Caviezel in 4th, ahead of Kriechmayr and Feuz.


Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Women’s Downhill, 13 March: This looks a nice but tough course; apparently they have been reducing one of the jumps as it was a bit too extreme in practice? Nicole Schmidhofer leads the standings on 444, ahead of Siebenhofer (354) and Stuhec (343). Twenty one starters today, the weather is OK at present but it’s forecast to change soon. Corinne Suter first away; down and that looked a reasonable time – Ricarda Haaser is feeling the cross wind and into 2nd, but +1.11. Nicole Schmidhofer is bib 3 – not great in training, and just over a second red at inter 3; better on the final section and into 2nd, +0.86. Jasmine Flury had an exciting time on the jump – into 4th; now, Ramona Siebenhofer away and, like Paris, she needs to win today if she is to have a chance of the globe. That was a narrow escape off the jump – she’s 5th and Schmidhofer will take the downhill globe! Federica Brignone is in touch; into 3rd, +1.05. That’s a really good, competitive run – Steph Venier into 2nd, just +0.48. Tina Weirather hasn’t had the best of seasons by her standards, but that’s a bit more like it – into 3rd, +0.82. Also a good run from Kira Weidle, still in touch at inter 4 and fast through the final speed gun, very good recovery from a bit of an epic on the final turns – she takes over 3rd place, +0.66 – that will do her start number for next year some good! Tamara Tippler off the line and slower through the gun, but even after that she’s into 2nd, +0.16 – brilliant recovery. No break as the FIS want to beat the incoming storm – Sofia Goggia is bib 11 – she’s gained a lot of time on the final turns; she was 1.00 red at inter 3 but 0.64 at 4 and into 3rd, +0.27 at the finish – great effort! Vikki Rebensburg next – she too is quite red early on, 0.68 off at inter 3 but she too is gaining time lower down - 0.19 red at inter 4 and she takes over the lead by just 0.05! She’s happy with that; what a final race for this season! Now, Nicol Delago is on course and green at inter 1; the light is better and she’s gaining even more time – 0.46 green at 3, the final section looked OK but she’s lost some time – nothing obvious and into 5th. Michaela Wenig also making the most of the conditions – just 0.19 red at inter 3 but then a bit off the line – she’s 10th. Cornelia Hütter lucky to survive the first jump – great recovery, but she’s fallen lower down; she did stand up, but seems to have an injury – possibly wrist or arm? Race interrupted, and the storm is coming in fast. Hütter is being taken off the hill in a sled stretcher; looks like that was a more serious injury than it might have appeared; quite an impact into the nets? Lara Gut and Ragnhild Mowinckel both injured in training too. So, at present Vikki Rebensburg leads from Corinne Suter and Tamara Tippler; Goggia in 4th ahead of Delago and Venier. Race back on – Joana Haehlen on track – that delay won’t have helped; massive escape off the jump and she’s missed the gate – impressive recovery but that was a heavy landing. Nadia Fanchini away and the light is getting less good on the top section – she’s really in touch here, just green at inter 4 and she’s into 3rd, +0.19. Meanwhile Mirjam Puchner is away and well green at inter 1 and 2 – 0.50 green at 3, lost a bit lower but she’s taken the Tipple line lower down and she’s nicked the lead by just 3 hundredths! Her second career win, perhaps? She’s looking at the clock, as if she can’t believe what it says! Miradoli into 13th; Ledecka into 17th. Juliana Suter is the last racer today – another junior champion – she’s 16th. Well, well done to Mirjam Puchner – what a way to end the season! Sorry that Vikki Rebensburg didn’t win, but 2nd is a good result and first away today, Corinne Suter ends up 3rd. I doubt anyone could have predicted that podium! Fanchini in 4th, ahead of Tippler and Goggia. Nicole Schmidhofer takes the downhill globe (468 points) ahead of Stephanie Venier (372 – gained 2 places today) and Ramona Siebenhofer (354)

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Women’s Super G, 14 March: So – Mikaela Shiffrin leads the Super G standings with 300 points, ahead of Tina Weirather (268) and Nicole Schmidhofer (253) – all to play for! Tina is bib 7 today, Nicole 9 and Mikaela 13 (hope she’s not superstitious). Ragnhild Mowinckel (247 points) would also have been in contention, but she’s got an ACL injury after a crash in training – interesting that Lara Gut-Behrami is on the start list today, despite her training accident. Race on, conditions look good – this is a fast, tricky course with a big Tunnel Jump – that won’t suit Shiffrin, I suspect? Tamar Tippler the first away – the jump caught her out a bit but she’s safe down; Romane Miradoli also making mistakes and into 2nd; +1.05. Federica Brignone into 2nd; Nadia Fanchini into 3rd. Stephanie Venier well in touch at inter 2, but a big error has spoilt her run – into 5th. Wendy Holdener a little off the pace – she’s 6th; now it’s Tina Weirather – 0.28 green at inter 1, down to 0.13 at 2 – looking good, but she’s missed a gate – she’s out – no 3rd straight title. That’s one contender out of it; Corinne Suter safely down and into 4th. Nicole Schmidhofer next - she’s 0.41 green at inter 1, still 0.35 at 2, but then an error and into the red at 3 – she’s into 3rd! That would put her 13 points ahead of Shiffrin in the standings. Kajsa Vickhoff Lie is the last before the first TV break – green at inter 1, then going into the red, but in touch – she’s into 4th. Jasmine Flury is next away – green at inter 1, and still there at 2 – into the red at 3 and she’s 4th, +0.37; a good run! Sofia Goggia into 5th, and now it’s Shiffrin – green at inter 1, 0.21 red at 2, 0.71 at 3 but now she’s gaining time on the lower section – she’s into joint 3rd, crucially with Schmidhofer! That means she’s taken the Super G globe – her 4th crystal globe in the year – another record! Gagnon into 13th; Vikki Rebensburg in the red but in touch and fast through the final gun – brilliant final section and she takes the lead by 0.15. What a final pair of races for her! Ramona Siebenhofer has fallen where Weirather went out; she’s up and skiing on down. Marsaglia into 14th; Elena Curtoni is 13th and Joana Haehlen has just gone into 12th! Finally Hannah Saethering – world junior Super G champion (and technically a junior for 2 more years) – she’s 18th, but that’s a good introduction to the World Cup tour. So, well done Vikki Rebensburg – 2nd yesterday and the win today! Tamar Tippler in second, and Federica Brignone third. Shiffrin and Schmidhofer in joint 4th, with Jasmine Flury 6th. Mikaela Shiffrin wins the Super G globe with 350 points, ahead of Schmidhofer (303), Weirather (268) and Rebensburg (257; up 2 places today).

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Men’s Super G, 14 March: Right – Dominik Paris leads the Super G standings on 330, ahead of Kriechmayr (286), Kilde (267), Jansrud (266) and Mayer (255) – Caviezel (244) also in with a shout! Christof Innerhofer the first away; Hannes Reichelt into 2nd – apparently he isn’t retiring and will be back next year? Now, Mauro Caviezel is on the track – he’s green at inter 1 and gaining time to inter 3 – he leads by 0.55 to put pressure on the other contenders. Very lucky escape for Adrien Theaux; skilful recovery to avoid a crash but he’s a DNF. Kjetil Jansrud next – green at inter 1 and 2 but red by 3 – he’s into 2nd, +0.43. Dominik Paris away bib 7 – he’s green at inter 2, and he’s really putting it all on the line – he takes the lead by 0.15! An impressive recovery by Ryan C-S off the jump – into 7th; Vincent Kriechmayr into 3rd! Kilde on course – he’s also made a few errors and he’s into 6th - only Mayer can stop Paris winning the globe now! Marco Odermatt has skied out – well done to miss the nets! Matthias Mayer just green at inter 1 – almost down as a gust hits him off the jump – into the red, and he’s 6th – Dominik Paris has won the Super G globe! Alexis Pinturault living dangerously too – he’s aiming to get points for the overall to get runner up spot ahead of Kristoffersen – he’s into 11th at present. Clarey has also skied out after the jump, like Odermatt; Sejersted into 7th. Beat Feuz away with bib 19 – bit off line at times – he’s into 9th. That’s made things difficult – Brice Roger has landed quite heavily off the jump and his airbag has inflated – he’s done well to complete the run! Klemen Kosi is another casualty of the tricky jump; he’s missed the gate and is a DNF. Just River Radamus (USA – another junior World Champion) to go – he’s safely down, and into 19th. So, well done Dominik Paris – speed double and the Super G globe! Mauro Caviezel in 2nd today, with Kriechmayr in third. Paris wins the globe ahead of Kriechmayr and Caviezel.

Östersund – IBU World Championships – Single Mixed Relay, 14 March: Sadly, problems with my broadband meant I had to watch this later!  Short penalty loops, and exchanges just after the second shoot, except for the very final leg. Conditions seem to be good; favourites seem to be either Italy (Doro and Luka Hofer) or Norway (Marte Olsbu Røiseland  and JoBø). A relatively short course but tough; 29 teams starting. Women first, 1.5 km, shoot, 1.5 km shoot and exchange. Same for the men except they do an extra 1.5 km at the end. Denise Herrmann on the first leg for Germany, and she’s really setting a fast pace – that’s going to hurt some people! At 1.1 Km she’s just ahead of Røiseland  and Simon, but a small gap is opening to Hauser, Öberg and Wierer. In for S1 and Røiseland  has missed her first; Merkushyna clear and she leads out just ahead of Hauser (both clear), Julia Simon needed 1 spare but out 3rd, ahead of Dunklee and Pavlova (both clear) and Røiseland  (1 spare). Denise Herrmann shooting slowly and using a spare is in 12th, +10.5. Korea (Frolina) are doing 1 loop, Slovenia (Klemencic) 3 loops! By the next split time Herrmann has the gap back to 4.1 seconds; the group is a lot bigger and closer together coming in for S2. Doro is clear this time and out fractionally ahead of Simon and Merkushyna; Hauser 4th, Öberg (2 spares at S1) is clear this time and 5th, ahead of Pavlova; Herrmann used 2 spares and is 10th. The first exchange is in that same order – ITA/FRA/UKR/AUT/SWE/RUS. Looks like Finland and Poland on the loop after S2. At 4.1 km Pidruchnyi leads ahead of Hofer, Guigonnat, Samuelsson and Eder – JoBø has got the 12.8 second gap at the exchange down to 1.4, and he’s 6th. In for S3 – Hofer first to strike, he’s cleared all 5 and leads out 2.9 ahead of JoBø (clear), then Eliseev, Pidruchnyi, Eder and Guigonnat. Lesser clear and up to 8th; Sean Doherty is doing a penalty loop – Dunklee won’t be impressed. Adverts and by the time they’re over the men are almost in for S4 – Pidruchnyi is having a great championships – he’s clear and leads out to the second exchange, 5.6 ahead of Guigonnat; then Eder, Lesser (those 3 clear here), Hofer (2 spares) and JoBø (3; +20.5). Exchange 2 in the same order; by 7.1 Km Denise Herrmann is 1 second ahead of Simon, with Merkushyna 3rd; then Hauser, Wierer and Røiseland (+16.6). Final prone for the women – Doro is clear and away, 3.9 ahead of Hauser (0 spares), Herrmann (1), Simon (3), Öberg (1) and Merkushyna (2; +13.3). Røiseland  (1 spare) in 7th, but just 14.2 back; Dunklee clear and out 11th, just under a minute back. Herrmann leading in for S6, just ahead of Doro; both have missed their 2nd shot - Røiseland  has cleared all 5 fast and leads out, just ahead of Doro W (1 spare) and Öberg (0; +2.5). Denise H has used 2 spares and out 4th, +14.5, ahead of Hauser (2) and Simon (2). So, at the final exchange JoBø takes over just ahead of Lukas Hofer, with Samuelsson very close behind; Lesser some 14.5 back but ahead of Eder and Guigonnat with Pidruchnyi in 7th after Merkushyna’s 5 spares on that leg. At 10.1 km Hofer and Samuelsson are hanging on to Bø, but Lesser is losing a little, as are Eder and Guigonnat, who have swapped places! Final prone – JoBø and Lukas H are both clear and out close; Samuelsson (1 spare) out +9.0, ahead of Erik Lesser (0), Eder (0) and Eliseev (0; +34.0). Final shoot – Hofer leading in; JoBø has cleared the lot, Hofer 1 spare, Samuelsson 1 spare, Lesser clear. JoBø is just 8 seconds ahead of Hofer as they leave the range, with Samuelsson (+15.7) ahead of Lesser (+22.6), Eliseev (+31.9) and Pidruchnyi (+35.1). Norway (0+6) take the gold with Italy (0+5) in silver and Sweden (0+8) in bronze – Germany (0+6) had a mix of ski speed and slow shooting with less speed but better shooting which got them 4th ahead of Ukraine (0+5) and Russia (0+5). France (0+10) down in 7th.

Östersund – IBU World Championships – Women’s 4 x 6 Km Relay, 16 March: Conditions don’t look too bad, although I think there is a little bit of snow falling. Norway look to have a good team; Germany also fairly strong but – Herrmann’s shooting and Dahlmeier’s health might affect them? Italy and Sweden also in the mix; quite a tough course. Oops – just heard that Doro Wierer won’t be racing today; not well? Race is on – this looks a fairly quick pace; odd to see the Italians have left Vittozzi on leg 1, rather than swapping her to the anchor leg? At the first split time Vittozzi leads from Hinz and Persson, but there’s only 8.3 seconds between the top 20. The wind seems to be fairly benign as they head in for S1 – Hinz and Vittozzi have missed; Belarus and the Czechs on the loops – poor Puskarčíková is doing 3. Dunklee leads out, ahead of Merkushyna, Vishnevskaya (KAZ), Chevalier and Persson (all clear). Vittozzi (1 spare) in 6th, +4.3, Solemdal has used 2 spares and she’s 19th, +21.9. Vittozzi leading in for S2 – breeze has got up – Vittozzi and Hinz have both missed, so has Dunklee – Hinz is on the penalty loop! Merkushyna (0 spares) leads out, ahead of Persson (0), Vittozzi (2, +7.5), Dunklee (1), Pavlova (2) and Tang (0). Solemdal clear this time and up to 7th, Hinz in 20th, +54.1. Exchange 1 coming up – Vittozzi has got Italy into the lead – as the new athletes take over it’s ITA/UKR/USA/SWE/RUS/SLO; Norway 7th, +33.5, Germany down in 14th, +49.5. Apparently Persson almost forgot her rifle at the start! At the first split time of leg 2 Gontier leads from Egan, Semerenko, Brorsson, Mironova and Tandrevold (+31.0); Franzi Hildebrand up to 13th, +46.1. Gontier in for S3 and she’s opened up a good gap; clear and away; Ukraine and Russia missing, Tandrevold clear. Mironova has used all 3 spares, but so has Franzi H. Gontier leads out, 6.3 ahead of Egan; Vita Semerenko used 1 spare and out 3rd, +13.6. Brorsson clear and 4th, ahead of Tandrevold (0) and Aymonier (0). Hildebrand is 13th, now +1:16.5 – gloom! The wind is getting up again as Gontier heads in for S4 – she’s got all 5, so have Egan, Semerenko and Tandrevold, Brorsson has missed 1 and France have 3 penalty loops to do! Out in order Gontier, Semerenko, Egan, Brorsson, Tandrevold and Tomingas (EST). Mironova used all 3 spares and is out 7th, +1:18.0, Hildebrand (1) in 10th, +1:31.3. Exchange 2 – Egan really pushing, and she’s passed Gontier; Reid and Runggaldier away. Order after the exchange USA/ITA/UKR/SWE/NOR/EST; Russia 7th, Germany 10th, +1:38.2. Now, the pundits were a bit worried about Magnusson’s shooting, and she’s got this leg for Sweden; Herrmann has pulled back 16 seconds by the first split time on leg 3! Eckhoff is gaining time; Kuzmina has leg 3 for Slovakia, and she’s pulled back 11 seconds as well. Right, S5 – Reid in in a group of 5; she and Runggaldier are clear; Eckhoff using 2 spares. Out Reid, Runggaldier, Magnusson and Dzhima (all clear), then Eckhoff (2) and Kaisheva (1). Herrmann (2) has lost what she made up, and a bit more – out 10th, +1:44.3. Julia Simon clear and out 13th, +2:15.5. Tiril Eckhoff is again pulling back time on the lap. S6 – leading 4 close as they settle – Magnusson have cleared the 5 quickly – so much for the worries. Eckhoff is on the penalty loop and so is Runggaldier! Magnusson leads out, 14.5 ahead of Reid (1 spare), Dzhima (2) and Eckhoff (1 loop! +53.7). Runggaldier is 6th after her loop, Kuzmina (1) up to 7th, just ahead of Herrmann (2; +1:30.3), Simon is 11th, +2:04.0. Magnusson is pulling away a little on the lap; Eckhoff flying and Herrmann going even faster – she’s pulled back almost 27 seconds by the exchange! The order as they start the final leg is SWE/USA/UKR/NOR/RUS/GER. Hanna Öberg taking the final leg for Sweden; then Dreissigacker for USA, Valj Semerenko, Røeiseland, Yurlova and Dahlmeier. Öberg has a good lead – 38.6 ahead of Dreissigacker at the split before S7! She’s missed her first; 2 spares used and she’s out; Dreissigacker clear and she’s out 2nd, +20.4. Røeiseland (1) out 3rd, ahead of Semerenko (1), Yurlova (0) and Dahlmeier (2, +1:12.6). Öberg pushing on the lap – the gap before the final shoot is over 20 seconds but the athlete now in second is Røeiseland! Öberg on the range; she’s missed her 4th – 1 spare left, she’s got the last target – however, Røeiseland is clear and away! USA will be doing 2 loops. So, Marte Olsbu Røeiseland leads out, ahead of Öberg (3 spares), Valj Semerenko (1), Yurlova (3) and Dahlmeier (0). On the lap Öberg is losing time, as is Semerenko; Dahlmeier gaining on Yurlova – she’s past by 5.6 Km, but she won’t catch Semerenko, surely? Norway (1+8) take a very impressive win despite a penalty loop – well done Røeiseland! Sweden in 2nd (0+6), and Semerenko has slowed down to celebrate her bronze, not realising that Dahlmeier is closing fast – luckily for her she crossed the line before Laura passed her! Ukraine (0+5) just take bronze by 0.5, ahead of Germany (1+14), Russia (0+12) in 5th and Slovakia (0+9) 6th. Good race!

Östersund – IBU World Championships – Men’s 4 x 7.5 Km Relay, 16 March: Looking rather gloomy there and snowing too! Hard not to view Norway as favourites with Bø’s on legs 3 and 4! Martin F on leg 4 for France; Sweden could be in with a chance? Race on – Lukas Hofer the early leader but it’s all very close. Some very good camera angles here – they give a good idea of the speed these athletes achieve! In for S1 and it’s fairly windy; not sure the data is correct – it’s showing Lapshin (KOR) leading out? Seems it is correct – he must have shot quickly! Lukas Hofer in 2nd, ahead of Eliseev and Finello (both clear), Lesser (1 spare) and Anev (0). Birkeland (1) in 12th, +13.9; Guigonnat (1) in 14th, +14.6. The weather is getting worse as they head for S2 – lots of misses, but Christian Gow is clear and away, just ahead of Birkeland (clear this time) and Lindström; Finello 4th ahead of Smolski (BLR) and Lesser (1 more spare). Lapshin is on the penalty loop, as is Sima (SVK). Guigonnat has used 2 more spares – he’s 10th, +11.7; Hofer (2) is 11th, +13.0. At the next split it’s Gow, Lesser and Hofer leading but it’s still close. First exchange – Eliseev gets Russia ahead; then ITA/FRA/GER/SUI/AUT. Canada in 7th with Sweden in 8th, Norway 10th. Top 10 are separated by just 9.6 seconds. I hope Germany wont’ regret having Roman Rees on leg 2. On the lap QFM is leading, with Porshnev (RUS) and Montello (ITA) close. Rees 4th, +8.2 with Weger, Nelin and Eder close; Christiansen just 1 second back – he’s up to 5th as they head for S3. Montello (1 spare) leads out ahead of Christiansen (0), Eder (0), QFM (1), Porshnev (1) and Rees (1). Montello a bit lucky with one of those targets! Leading 4 (FRA/NOR/AUT/ITA) heading in for S4; QFM clear and away, but Christiansen is also clear and out +3.4, Eder 3rd, +7.8. Nelin (1) is 4th, +21.4, then Porshnev (1) and Ermits (0; EST) with Rees (2) in 7th. Montello needed all 3 spares, just avoiding the penalty loop – 11th, +44.2. Fillon Maillet and Christiansen close as they head for the exchange with a gap to Nelin and Eder, Porshnev is losing places. At the exchange France leads Norway by just 1.3 with Sweden +18.8. Then AUT/EST/BLR/GER/SUI/CAN/SLO. At 1.3 km Tarjei is past Desthieux, then a gap of 21 seconds or so to Ponsiluoma, who is 9 seconds clear of Landertinger – small gap to Peiffer, Bocharnikov (BLR) and Dolder. Leading 2 in for S5; Tarjei (0 spares) out 8.0 ahead of Desthieux (1). Then Ponsiluoma (1; +37.1), Peiffer (0), Bocharnikov (0) and Dolder (1; +51.8). Desthieux losing a bit to Bø on the lap; Peiffer into 3rd, but he’s lost 6 seconds to the Norwegian, Ponsiluoma fading a bit. S6 – Tarjei in already, he’s missed his 4th – out with 2 spares used; Desthieux on the penalty loop – Peiffer (1), Ponsiluoma (1). Out in order Bø, Desthieux (+37.2), Peiffer (+42.2), Ponsiluoma (+45.6), Bauer (2; +56.1) and Bocharnikov. The snow is getting heavier; Exchange 3 – Tarjei hands over to Johannes and he has a gap of 43.5 seconds – France and Germany out together, Fourcade versus Doll! Sweden 4th, +1:04.2 then SLO/CZE/AUT/RUS/BLR/ITA. JoBø isn’t hanging about – he’s gained 10 seconds by 1.3 km, and he’s lapping teams quite rapidly! JoBø in for S7, with the range to himself – that was quick, all 5 down and he’s gone. Doll shooting fast, but he’s missed 1 – got it with 1 spare, Martin F clear – Samuelsson needing all 3 spares. Out in order Bø, Doll (+57.7), Fourcade (+57.9) Trsan (EST) in 4th, +1:26.5 ahead of Eberhard and Loginov. Samuelsson is 8th now, 1:45.6 back. Doll and Fourcade having a good fight ; Loginov in 4th now ahead of Eberhard. JoBø is in for S8 – he’s missed his first and 2 more – all 3 spares used; the coach’s face was a picture! JoBø away; Doll has used 1 spare but Martin F will have to do 2 penalty loops – he really is off it at present. Loginov away 3rd, after clearing all 5 quickly, ahead of Trsan, Krcmar and Fourcade – what is wrong with him? Johannes is cruising to the line, keeping some energy for the Mass Start. Benedikt Doll bringing Germany (0+8) in for silver – that was good shooting for him, better than his standing average. Loginov gets bronze for Russia (0+7), Krcmar (CZE, 0.6) has passed Trsan (SLO, 0+5) and Martin F has just kept France (3+11) ahead of Sweden (0+11) by 0.2! Well done Norway (0+6) – that’s another gold!

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Men’s  Giant Slalom, 16 March: Course set by an Austrian coach; toughest gates near the finish. Zan Kranjec the first away – the conditions look lovely although oddly it’s warmer at the top of the track than lower down. That’s a good run from Kranjec; next to go is Marcel Hirscher – he’s made a line error and he admits that he’s tired – into 2nd, +0.41! Thomas Fanara next – this will be his last race apparently – sadly, it’s a DNF, but he’s up. Good run from Matts Olsson; he’s into the lead by 0.35 – so 0.72 ahead of Hirscher. Henrik Kristoffersen is bib 4 – he’s a bit off the pace too – into 4th! Next is Alexis Pinturault – that’s brilliant stuff – green all the way and he takes the lead by a massive 0.63 – that’s 1.35 ahead of Hirscher and 1.49 ahead of Kristoffersen!! Loic Meillard into 6th; Caviezel is 7th. Better pace from Luca de Aliprandini – one very impressive recovery and he takes over 4th place! Victor Muffat-Jeandet next – he’s over a second back at inter 2 – into 7th. Bib 11 is Marco Odermatt, and he’s red all the way, but in touch – he’s into 3rd place despite a couple big errors – great recovery skills! That’s 15 away – Pinturault leads from Olsson and Odermatt; Kranjec in 4th, ahead of de Aliprandini and Hirscher – Kristoffersen in 7th, +1.49! Highest bib number in the top 10 – Mathieu Faivre (15) in 8th. Manu Feller away after the break – into 7th, between Hirscher and Kristoffersen. Mölgg has slid past a gate and he’s a DNF; Ted Ligety in touch at inter 2, lost a bit on the final section, but he’s into 6th – great result! Kilde has missed a gate; River Radamus also out. Christof Innerhofer safely down and that’s run 1 over. No change to the top 6 since Ted Ligety – odd to see both Hirscher and Kristoffersen not in that top 6!
Run 2: Course set by a Norwegian coach – now plus 12 degrees at the start, which might be a problem for the late starters? Run 2 is away – Christof Innerhofer on course; that’s a good run, given that he’s more of a downhill/Super G skier. Gino Caviezel is showing how it should be done though – he’s green all the way and 2.08 faster as he crosses the line – a much better run than his first. Rasmus Windingstad is also having a good run; green all the way, lost a little between 2 and 3 but then gained a lot on the final gates and he leads by 0.32 Tommy Ford also gaining time on the upper section; he lost a little on the last section but he’s still fast enough to take the lead – not entirely error free, but good recoveries! Trevor Philp also on form in run 2 – he leads by 0.08. Not for long though as  Loic Meillard has gained time pretty much all the way to lead by 0.58 – that’s also the best time on run 2 so far. Thibaut Favrot back from injury – he’s gained a good amount of time between inter 3 and the finish to go 2nd. Cedric Noger went red at inter 3 but he’s held onto the time on the final section to go 2nd, +0.13. Leif K N-H into 4th; Victor M-J next and his advantage has halved by inter 1; red at 2 and +0.31 at inter 3 – what a final section though – he’s pulled back to lead by just 0.02! He’s not going to make it to the leader’s chair though as Mathieu Faivre is flying down the course – he leads by 0.70, and that’s the new best time as well. Next away is Henrik Kristoffersen; 0.09 in hand at the start, and it’s slowly drifting away – he’s getting thrown off line and he’s just 4th, despite the course being set by a Norwegian! TV break – Faivre leads from Victor M-J and Meillard. Manu Feller is gaining a bit to inter 2 – he’s just red at inter 3 but he’s pulled that back – he leads by 0.09. No time to give Hirscher a course report as he’s already on course – he’s red by inter 1 and looking tired – in touch at inter 3 but fading a little from there – he’s just 3rd, +0.44. Ted Ligety away – he too was nicely in touch at inter 3, and again he’s lost time from there – he’s into 4th. Luca de Aliprandini next – 0.29 green at the start and it’s down to 0.04 at inter 1 – red at 2 but holding that gap at 3 – again he’s losing time on the final section – really tough just as you tire – he’s into 4th. Zan Kranjec in the start gate and he’s kept his advantage to inter 1; almost gone at 2, but he’s got it back by 3 – Kranjec leads, Hirscher off the podium. Marco Odermatt on course – he’s gained a bit between inter 1 and 2, and even more to 3 AND he hasn’t lost anything to the finish – he leads by 0.59, with the best time of run 2 as well. He’s certainly happy with that, and so are the crowd! Matts Olsson just red at inter 1; there are huge plumes of snow coming off his skis and he’s miles off the pace – not adjusted to the different snow conditions? He’s into 12th; just Alexis Pinturault to come – 0.88 in hand. He’s over a second up at inter 1, still there at 2; lost a bit to inter 3 but still 0.70 ahead – he’s taken the win (most successful French skier ever!?). That was impressive even if it was only the 5th fastest on run 2 – that will also cement his position as runner up in the overall standings with 1113 points to Kristoffersen’s 1002. Great win for Pinturault – very well done; a second season podium for Marco Odermatt and Zan Kranjec deservedly in third today. Feller in 4th, ahead of Faivre and Hirscher; Kristoffersen down in 11th. Hirscher talking about making decisions on his future in his interview – surely he’ll be back next season?

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Women’s Slalom, 16 March: Course set by a Swedish coach; Katharina Liensberger the first away and safely down. Next to go is Petra Vlhova – dead level at inter 1 but then into the red at 2 and 3; good lower section to recover time and lead by 0.20. Wendy Holdener is flying at the top – 0.63 green at inter 2, and 1.23 ahead at inter 3 – she leads by a massive 1.22! That was impressive skiing. Anna Swenn Larsson into 3rd, just 4 hundredths behind Vlhova. Frida Hansdotter next – into 5th – the final gates are tough, and that’s where it’s easy to lose time and places. Next is Mikaela Shiffrin – odd to see her in the red, although she is in touch – she’s into 2nd, +0.28; that’s almost a second faster than Petra Vlhova. Christina Geiger has missed a gate, DNF; Costazza also out and so is Mielzynski – three in a row. Irene Curtoni is down, but only 9th. The piste is starting to get a bit rutted; Bernadette Schild into 8th. TV break – Holdener leads from Shiffrin and Vlhova. Lena Dürr (bib 17) into 10th; Mina Holtmann looking in touch at inter 2 but the bumps have pushed her off line and out. Meta Hrovat has straddled and she’s out too. Katharina Huber is a DNF too – that’s the second trio; bibs 10,11 & 12 and now 19, 20 & 21. Charlotta Saefvenberg is the final racer and she’s into 10th – good effort! That’s run 1 over – no change to the top 6 since Shiffrin went 2nd.
Run 2 – which clashes with the biathlon – women’s relay! I’ll watch biathlon live and catch up with this race later! Just 16 skiers remaining for this run. Roni Remme first away – that looks a very twisty course, set by one of the Austrian coaches – lots of “across the slope” stuff. Laurence St-Germain has about 10 seconds in hand, so no surprise that she takes over the lead – that’s a slightly more realistic time for the two runs! Irene Curtoni next – and she has over 3 seconds in hand; looks good but she’s still losing time – she leads. Nastasia Noens is looking good;  0.38 in hand at the start; 1.95 ahead at the finish! Aline Danioth next – not looking too bad, but she’s straddled. Lena Dürr on course – she’s gained to inter 1, but several heavy edges have got her into the red, she’s second. Saefvenberg a bit off the pace; she’s had to udge up a bit to get round the gate and into 5th. Katharina Truppe next  - it was her coach who set the course! Even so she’s losing time, but gained a little back on the final gates to take the lead. Eight to go; Bernadette Schild the first of them – she’s gained to inter 1, steady to 2, gaining again to 3 – she leads by 1.30! Superb stuff! Kristin Lysdahl next – she’s gained to inter 1 but she’s losing it on the steep – into 2nd. Frida Hansdotter waiting at the top while the gates are made vertical by hammering in wooden wedges! She’s looking good – gaining between inter 1 and 2; she leads by 0.41 – great effort in her last slalom race before she retires. More repairs to the poles! Katherina Liensberger away – into the red at inter 2, and into 3rd at the finish. Now, Anna Swenn Larsson – slight gain to inter 1, more to 2, lost a bit by 3 but she leads by 0.31. Three left to go; Petra Vlhova the first of them – she’s gained by inter 1, steady to 2, still green but some heavy edges – she leads though and will be on the podium! Now, can Shiffrin nick this one – she has 0.94 in hand – she’s losing a little time to inter 2 but then getting it all back by 3 – she leads by 1.20 – the best time of run 2 so far! Just Wendy Holdener to go – 0.28 ahead, and it’s down to 0.19 by inter 1 – back to 0.41 at 2, 0.14 green at 3 and she’s missed it by just 0.07! That’s win 60 for Shiffrin, and slalom win 40 – equalling another record! So, another win for Shiffrin, great race by Wendy Holdener and Petra Vlhova on the podium again – a great race!

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Women’s Giant Slalom, 17 March: Well Happy St Patrick’s Day – final race for the women this season, and Mikaela Shiffrin needs just 3 points from the race to clinch the GS globe! Looks another nice day – possibly a bit too warm again? Wendy Holdener gets the action started – course set by a Swiss coach – quite a bit of across the hill stuff and it’s a long, tiring set. Holdener down safely – looking a bit tired perhaps, and no wonder! Marta Bassino in the red at inter 1, but she’s missed a gate – DNF. Petra Vlhova is bib 3 – slightly red at inter 1, an error but well recovered, dead level at 2, green at 3 – not perfect by any means but she’s leading by 0.42 – great recoveries! Federica Brignone next, green at inter 1, but into the red at 2 – she’s into 2nd, +0.28. Here comes Mikaela Shiffrin – green at inter 1, greener at 2, and even more so at 3 – she’s an amazing 0.97 ahead at the finish – that was superb to watch – it looked relaxed and effortless! At least she does look tired at the finish. Vikki Rebensburg is bib 6 – in touch but in the red from inter 2 – into 2nd, +0.59. Tessa Worley away – she’s quite red after inter 2, and into 4th, +1.23. Not quite sure why but Frida Hansdotter (bib 9) will start after bib 15 – perhaps because it’s her final race? Kristin Lysdahl a bit off the pace here – she’s 7th, +2.75. So, straight from bib 8 to 10, Meta Hrovat – another junior champion – into 7th, but +2.28 – some suggestion that her setup might not be perfect for today? Surprised to see Katharina Truppe also a bit off the pace – she’s into 9th; some big time gaps developing – she’s +2.94. Sara Hector next – she’s a bit more in touch, but lost a bit on the final gates – into 7th. Bib 13 is Thea Louise Stjernesund; she’s also losing time all the way – it’s a tough challenge, she’s into 11th. Ricarda Haaser next – good start but again losing time all the way – this really is a demanding course – she’s 12th. Katharina Liensberger away, bib 15 – she’s a bit more in touch to inter 3, but she’s lost over a second from there – 11th! Now, Frida Hansdotter is in the start gate – traditional outfit and a pastry basket in hand – she’s stopped alongside the coaches to hand out goodies so she’s +35.43 at inter 2 – I doubt I could look that relaxed skiing with a big basket! She’s over the line – obviously very popular. Eva-Maria Brem on course after the TV break – that’s a better run – into 7th, +1.99. Marie-Michelle Gagnon is bib 17 – struggling a bit – into 14th. Now, Bernadette Schild – looking good but losing time; great recovery from an error and into 11th. Mina Holtmann seems to be more in touch, but again losing over a second from inter 3 to the finish – 8th, +2.20; still a good result though. Coralie Frasse Sombet on course – good recovery early on, but that cost her some time – she’s 17th. Finally – Alice Robinson, the world junior champion – she’s 0.31 green at inter 2; red at inter 3 and over the line in 3rd – what a run, that’s faster than Vlhova! Run 1 over – Shiffrin leads from Rebensburg and Robinson; Vlhova in 4th, ahead of Worley and Brignone.
Run 2: Not being shown live as the cross country is on! Nineteen starters for this run – course set by an Italian coach - Ricarda Haaser away first, and safely down. Coralie Frasse Sombet next and just green at inter 1; just 0.02 red at 2, back in the green at 3 but swinging back into the red at the finish – 2nd, +0.09. For some reason the FIS data stream isn’t showing the advantage as it stands in the start hut – Mich Gagnon isn’t having a good run – redder all the way and over a second off the pace at the finish. Stjernesund is going well though – 0.14 in the green at inter 1 and gaining time all the way to 3; lost a little on the final turns but she’s into the lead by 0.30. Ah, we have the start advantage back! Katharina Liensberger is going well – 0.75 ahead at inter 2 – she lost a little to 3, but then pulled it all back on the final turns – nice run, she leads by 0.75! Katharina Truppe can’t match that, and she’s the first DNF of the race – not sure what happened as the video only coverage just says “end of programme” – not very helpful of Eurosport! Bernadette Schild into 2nd, +0.48, but Lysdahl is off the pace, nearly a second behind at inter 2 – she goes 6th of 8. Now, Meta Hrovat has 0.74 in hand as she starts – red at inter 2 and another DNF. Sara Hector has lost almost half her advantage by inter 1, quite red at 2, bit better at 3 and a storming final section to go 2nd, +0.15. Mina Holtmann is the last before the TV break; barely still green at inter 2 and red by 3 – she’s into 3rd. At last we have coverage! We join with 8 to go, and Liensberger (best time on run 2 so far) leading from Hector and Holtmann. Eva-Maria Brem first after the break and she too has lost half her advantage by inter 1, just red at 2, back green at 3 and she’s taken over the lead, by 0.07! Wendy Holdener next, 0.60 in hand – she’s gained a little by inter 1, and she’s kept ahead all the way to go into the lead by 0.48. Federica Brignone in the start hut – a quite modest advantage of 0.14, but she’s gained by inter 1; going well but she’s made a mistake and skied out – I wonder what that Italian word means? Tessa Worley on course – she’s gained from inter 1 to 2 after an early error; still improving on the lower turns to take the lead by a very impressive 1.13 – second fastest on run 2 as well. Petra Vlhova away next – she too has gained time early on – keeping it green and this looks lovely skiing – she leads by 0.80, with the best time so far on run 2. Alice Robinson has just 0.13 in hand, and it’s changed to 0.13 red at inter 1 – good recovery to be just 0.01 behind at inter 2 – what a brilliant final section, she leads by 0.11 at the finish! Apparently she’s been working with Lindsey Vonn’s old coach, and it certainly seems to be paying dividends. Vikki Rebensburg away – just red at inter 2 but back in the green by 3 – huge errors on the final turns – lucky to finish and she’s 4th. Just Mikaela Shiffrin to go – she’s gained a little to inter 1, and she’s over a second ahead at inter 3 – an error on the last turns but she’s recovered to take yet another win, and the GS globe! Mikaela Shiffrin wins her 17th race of the season, ahead of the new star, Alice Robinson, with Petra Vlhova in 3rd. That’s the women’s season finished! Shiffrin gets the GS globe with 615 points to Vlhova’s 478, with Tessa Worley third on 460. Alice Robinson has gained 22 places in the GS standings with today’s 2nd place to finish 19th!

Grandvalira Soldeu – World Cup Races – Men’s Slalom, 17 March: I see the TV director is getting into the St Patrick’s Day spirit! Apparently Felix Neureuther has announced his retirement. Race on – Ramon Zenhaeusern first away; course set by a Swiss coach too – 1 error but he’s down. Dave Ryding away bib 2 – red at 1, nicely green at 2 but then he’s in trouble and struggling to get his rhythm back – 2nd, but +1.28. Next is Henrik Kristoffersen – red at 1, just green at 2, 0.05 red at 3, but losing time on the final gates – 2nd, +0.56. Daniel Yule is bib 4 – green at inter 2, the same at inter 3; nice skiing and into 2nd, +0.11. That’s well in touch for run 2. Now Clement Noel – he’s half a second ahead at inter 2, and 0.74 green at 3 – he leads by an impressive 0.84! Marcel Hirscher away – already red at inter 1 and 0.73 red at 2 – well off the pace, and he’s just 5th, +1.43 – that’s not his usual style but he’s already wrapped up everything he can win this season, so it must be hard to constantly push on at full power? Alexis Pinturault looking relaxed – a couple errors and he’s into 5th, just 0.02 ahead of Hirscher and 0.01 behind Kristoffersen. Hirschbühl into 7th; Manu Feller has taken over that place. Manfred Mölgg a bit more on the pace, but he too has lost time lower down – now he goes 7th! Seventh seems to be popular – Michael Matt looked as though he would take it over, but he’s lost more time after an error almost at the finish – 11th. No croissants in a basket for Neureuther but this is apparently his last race – he’s into 8th at present. Disappointing run from Loic Meillard – into 13th; Myhrer in trouble and he’s out. Good start from Victor M-J, but he too is losing time lower down – into 11th. Seb Foss-Solevaag away after the TV break – he’s fallen on the steep, DNF. Stefan Hadalin into 15th; Gross into 12th, and Albert Popov is 17th. A lot of people struggling now – Lizeroux into 14th, Razzoli has taken over that position; Istok Rodes off the pace a bit and into 20th. The track is getting quite rutted now – Marc Digruber into 17th and Elias Kolega goes 22nd. Alex Vinatzer is the last starter on run 1 – he’s actually in touch at inter 1 but the time is starting to drift away – he’s 17th, +2.63. That’s run 1 over – Noel leads from Zenhaeusern and Yule; Kristoffersen 4th, ahead of Pinturault and Hirscher. Dave Ryding in 13th.
Run 2: Again this clashes with biathlon, so I’ll have to catch up later. Twenty three starters for this run; Elias Kolega first away for this run, set by an Italian coach. Kolega safely down – that’s the target set. Next is Istok Rodes – he’s really well green at inter 1, and gaining all the way – he’s 1.25 faster at the finish – might stand for a while? He’s certainly made the best of the good track conditions. Popov looking good but he’s into third, in these warm conditions. Hadalin into 2nd; Meillard good on the upper section but he’s losing time – he’s 2nd now. Marc Digruber off the pace, into 5th; Alex Vinatzer looking more in touch – still green at inter 3, but then he’s lost a bit – into 2nd. Michael Matt also losing time - still just green at inter 3 but into 5th – does he have a hamstring injury, as suggested? Lizeroux has 0.91 in hand, but it’s drifting away on the warm snow, which is rutting a little – into 3rd. That’s a great run from Giuliano Razzoli – he’s gaining a bit of time, and he leads by 0.21; Rodes still with the best time on run 2 at present. Dave Ryding away – into the red at inter 2 and it’s drifting away – into 3rd. Stefano Gross is already red at inter 1 – he’s just 5th; Victor M-J next – it looks nice but he’s red at inter 2 – he’s holding on from there and into 2nd, + 0.12. Hirschbühl also red at 2, pulled a little back , but into 4th. Now, this is Manu Feller – he’s lost half his advantage by inter 1, but then steady to 2 and gaining to 3, and even more to the finish – he leads by 0.89 – what a lovely final section! That was a great run, 2nd best on run 2; 8 to go. Felix Neureuther in the gate – his last race; the body has just had too much damage – red at inter 2 and into 3rd – he’ll be missed, a very popular competitor! Mölgg in the gate, but an error above inter 2 gets him into the red – he’s 7th and the course is cutting up more now. Marcel Hirscher next – he’s gained to inter 1 but is red at 2 and that’s Hirscher in trouble – good recovery but he’s off the pace now and into 9th, just behind Ryding at the finish! It’s been a busy and tough tour. Alexis Pinturault away – he too is red at inter 2, and into 4th; Kristoffersen away – he’s arguably better on salted snow but he’s red at inter 3 and into 2nd – looks like a gate snapped and ended up under his skis. Daniel Yule next – he’s losing time and it’s red at 3 – he’s 2nd now – Feller will be on the podium. Zenhaeusern has gained to inter 1, lost a bit to 2 and then an error and into 3rd – Yule will be the runner up in the standings. Just Clement Noel to go – he’s got 1.68 in hand – down to 0.11 at inter 2 – back to 0.38 at 3 and he wins by just 0.18 – great recoveries! Clement Noel wins, ahead of Manu Feller with Daniel Yule 3rd. Kristoffersen down in 5th, and Hirscher in 14th! That means that Daniel Yule and Clement Noel share the runner up slot for the Slalom standings, on 551 points. Well, not Hirscher’s day, but he’s won all the globes he could anyway, including the overall! That’s it for this season – quite a mixture!

Östersund – IBU World Championships – Women’s 12.5 Km Mass Start, 17 March: Probably the most challenging conditions so far in these races in Östersund – snow and wind? Race is on – Denise Herrmann setting the pace on lap 1, ahead of Kuzmina and Braisaz – just 6.2 seconds between the top 10 at 1.3 Km. Still very close as they come in for S1 – lanes 1-15 seem to be more sheltered at present. Kuzmina has missed 2, so has Dahlmeier; Herrmann clear – Kuzmina has now missed 4! Öberg leads out just ahead of Doro W, Yurlova-P, Preuß, Kryuko and Aymonier – all clear. Tandrevold 8th, ahead of Herrmann (+8.8) and Kaisa M. Dahlmeier and Braisaz are among those doing 2 loops, Vittozzi and Haecki 3 each. Just 5.9 seconds between the top 10 at 4.6 Km – now, does Herrmann really want lane 1? Apparently so – the leaders are in for S2 – Yurlova shooting fast and she’s clear and out, just ahead of Doro and Franzi Preuß, Egan also clear and out ahead of Tandrevold and Kryuko. Herrmann and Franzi H doing a loop each and out 11th and 12th, about 40 seconds back. Dahlmeier has missed 1 more and is 24th, +1:32.8; Kuzmina has missed another 4! Just 7 athletes on 10/10. Franzi Preuß leading a group of 6 at 7.1 Km, Herrmann up to 7th, +16.1. Heading in for the first standing shoot – Doro shooting fast – 15/15 and away; Yurlova has missed 1 but out 2nd, +31.7, ahead of Kaisa who missed 2. Poor Franzi Preuß has missed all 5! Order at present Doro (0,0,0), Yurlova (0,0,1), Kaisa M (0,1,1), Hojnisz (0,0,1), Røeiseland (1,0,1) and Herrmann (0,1,2; +1:06.5). Dahlmeier clear this time and out 10th, Tandrevold missed 3 this time and out 12th, Vittozzi (3,1,0) is 18th, +2:02.2. At 9.6 Km the top 6 are now separated by 1:05.8. Final shoot – wind back up again, Doro has missed her 2nd shot and the 5th; Yurlova-P has missed her 4th; Herrmann has missed her 5th, Røeiseland has missed 2, Kaisa 4, Dahlmeier 1. Order after S4 – Doro (0,0,0,2), Yurlova (0,0,1,1) +10.3, Herrmann (0,1,2,1), +33.1, then Öberg (0,1,2,0), +47.0 and Røeiseland (1,0,1,2), Eckhoff (1,1,1,1) and Dahlmeier (2,1,0,1) – Vittozzi in 8th. Doro holding on at 11.3, but Herrmann has closed on Yurlova; Öberg ahead of Eckhoff. Final split time, Doro leads, Yurlova +7.1, Herrmann +14.4; Öberg has 10 seconds in hand over Eckhoff. So, Doro Wierer wins the Mass Start, ahead of Ekaterina Yurlova-Percht and Denise Herrmann (full house – one of each medal!). Öberg in 4th, ahead of Eckhoff and Dahlmeier. Røeiseland in 7th, ahead of Vittozzi – good recovery! Kuzmina had 10 penalty loops today; Lena Haecki had 11! Doro fastest on the range, ahead of Yurlova and Merkushyna; Denise H fastest around the course, ahead of Braisaz, Eckhoff and Dahlmeier.

Östersund – IBU World Championships – Men’s 15 Km Mass Start, 17 March: Conditions aren’t looking any better! Race is on and there is already a broken pole (Iliev?). Looks a fairly steady pace at present – conditions are definitely even worse than for the women’s race! In for S1 – Guigonnat has missed 2, but Doll is clear and away, with JoBø right behind him, then Loginov, Garanichev, Pidruchnyi and Weger (+5.2) – all clear. Peiffer and Hofer also clear and out 10/11; Lesser doing 2 loops as are Guigonnat and Bjøntegaard among others – Iliev and Krcmar doing 3 each. Eighteen clear at S1, and the pace has picked up – only 4.5 separating the top 10. The snow seems to be getting heavier – leaders in for S2 – Doll and Loginov missing but several clear. Johannes out 1.5 ahead of Desthieux, Peiffer, Garanichev, Tarjei and Pidruchnyi (+6.8) all 10/10. Doll missed 1 and is 11th, Weger missed 2, as did Rastorgujevs and Fak – Alex Loginov has missed 3; Lesser and Bjøntegaard are both 2,1; Martin F is 1,2. Tarjei up to 3rd on the lap, just behind his brother with Desthieux fractionally ahead. What a nasty looking day – bravo spectators - leaders in for S3 and lots of misses as the wind has swapped sides! Garanichev quite patient and he’s cleared all 5 – he leads out, ahead of Christiansen (both 15/15), Pidruchnyi (0,0,1), Eder (0,0,0), JoBø (0,0,2), Doll (0,1,1) and Peiffer (0,0,2; +41). Tarjei missed 3 and he’s 10th, Eberhard also 3 this time and 12th, Martin F cleared this time but he’s still 21st, +1:46.2. JoBø up to 2nd on the lap, +11.1 at 10.5 Km; then Doll +26.1. By 11.3 Km the gap between Garanichev and JoBø is just 1.3 seconds, then Doll, Pidruchnyi, Christiansen and Peiffer, +38.1. Huge gust as they drop into the range area – the 2 leaders are slow to start as the wind is awful, both have missed – Garanichev has missed 4, Bø all 5! Dominik Windisch (1,1,1,0) has cleared here and he leads out! Simon Eder (0,0,0,1) out 2nd, +15.3, ahead of Guigonnat (2,0,0,1), +17.2, Eberhard (0,0,3,1), QFM (1,1,1,1) and Loginov (0,3,2,0), +26.1. Final lap – Guigonnat past Eder but Eberhard is closing on him; at 13.5 Km Windisch leads with Eberhard up to 2nd, +21.7, Guigonnat +22.5, Loginov +31.7, QFM, +33.4 and Peiffer (+43.4). At 14.3 Windisch looks safe but Eberhard and Guigonnat are very close; Loginov surely can’t catch them? Dominik Windisch takes a really well deserved gold medal (good day for Italy), with Guigonnat winning the sprint for the silver ahead of Eberhard. Loginov in 4th, ahead of QFM and Peiffer; Eder in 7th, Doll 8th – JoBø ended up 13th, with 7 misses; Hofer also had 7 and was 17th. Poor Martin F (1,2,0,2) down in 24th. Loginov fastest on the range ahead of Desthieux and Pidruchnyi – JoBø quickest around the course, ahead of brother Tarjei and Loginov.

Well, that's the Championships over - just the Holmenkollen races to finish off the season.

Oslo Holmenkollen – Women’s 7.5 km Sprint, 21 March: Apparently quite warm, and a lot of the big names might well be tired after a hard schedule in the championships – Germans mostly going late to try and get colder conditions; Scott Dixon (standing in for Dad) reckons that might not work as the track might cut up? Susan Dunklee the first away; seems the Italians don’t share the Germans’ view as Doro is away early (bib 16). Gontier the first to go clear at S1, Kaisheva has joined her. Mona Brorsson has missed 3 at S1, Haecki has missed 4. At present Vitková is fastest after S1; Davidova fast buts she’s missed 1 – Tiril Eckhoff is clear at S1 and away in the lead! Paulina Fialkova is also clear and just 1.3 behind Tiril. Kuzmina has missed her 5th shot, Tandrevold clear. At S1 Doro is clear and out ahead of Eckhoff; at S2 Dunklee has missed another 1 and Gontier 3. Yurlova-Percht is the first to go 10/10; Kaisa has missed 1 at S1. Vitková has missed 1 at S2; Tiril has missed 1 and Davidova 2, but Fialkova is clear, 10/10 and Kuzmina is clear here and skiing at amazing speed. Back at S1 Vittozzi has missed 3! Røeiseland has missed 1 at S1; at S2 Doro is in – missed 1. After S2 Kuzmina leads despite 1 miss; then Fialkova was shown as being 14.3 ahead – that has been amended to 11.1 behind – not sure what happened there; Öberg is 0,1 while Persson is 10/10 and 4 places ahead of her. At the finish Kuzmina leads, 25.1 ahead of Fialkova who hasn’t done any penalty loops; Tiril Eckhoff (0,1) is 3rd, +42.2; Persson over the line in 4th, ahead of Doro and Yurlova. Denise Herrmann has missed 1 at S1, but she’s a bit slow. Røeiseland over the line in 3rd; Högberg has gone 10/10, but she’s losing time on the lap. Celia Aymonier is also 10/10 – out 7th, +32.5 – although she isn’t gaining much time, she is gaining places – she’s over the line in 3rd, knocking Røeiseland off the podium; Högberg in 7th at present. Lisa Vittozzi (3,2) currently 33rd, which isn’t going to help her quest for the overall - will she get a start in the pursuit at all? Herrmann is 1,1 and 13th after S2 - +42.8; as you might expect she’s gaining on the final lap – she’s 4th at present. Laura Dahlmeier away and in short sleeves! Franzi Preuß clear at S1, and out +6.3; Franzi H also clear and +17.0. Emma Lunder (CAN) is 10/10 and out just behind Persson. Laura D has missed 1 at S1, but out 40th, +29.8. Franzi Preuß is 10/10 and out 3rd, +15.9; Franzi H has missed her last shot. Laura D in for S2 – another miss – she’s over a minute back as she leaves after the penalty loop. Franzi Preuß at the finish and in 2nd at present. Chloe Chevalier was looking good but she’s missed her last two shots. Well that’s it – Kuzmina wins despite a penalty – unbelievable ski speed today! Franzi Preuß in 2nd, ahead of Paulina Fialkova. Aymonier in 4th, ahead of Herrmann and Røeiseland – nice to see Lunder in 9th. Now – for the overall, Doro W in 11th, but poor Lisa Vittozzi is in 68th, so no points today and she won’t start the pursuit, so obviously no points then either; Doro about 67 points ahead of Kuzmina who has Røeiseland close behind her when you subtract all their worst 2 results (Patrick’s figures). Knotten quickest on the range today, ahead of Simon and Lunder; Herrmann 1.1 faster than Kuzmina around the course ahead of Aymonier, Egan, Mironova and Røeiseland.

Oslo Holmenkollen – Men’s 10 km Sprint, 22 March: The start has been brought forward by 15 minutes – annoying as it clashes with the final minutes of the ski jumping! Unlike yesterday most of the “talent” is going early! Very misty there – the only time I visited we didn’t see the view because it was like it is today! It’s Scott Dixon with Patrick again today – it’s going to be a test for them, just trying to see the athletes through the gloom! I think we can guess that JoBø is the favourite and Martin F isn’t going to win (not sure he’s on the start list – don’t think he’s even racing)! Race on, with Dominik Windisch the first away - he’s already at S1, and clear; slow but very effective. QFM also clear; Samuelsson has missed 1 but he’s still out ahead of QFM’s time. Doll has missed 1, but out faster than Erik Lesser, who was clear. Landertinger and Eberhard have both missed 1, but Eliseev and Hofer are clear and currently 1 and 2 after S1. Arnd Peiffer has missed his first – a bad miss too, so maybe he wasn’t settled? Loginov has missed 1, and he was lucky with another one. Windisch is at S2 – he’s missed his last shot; QFM is 10/10 but Samuelsson has missed his 10th – 1,1. Lesser has missed his 10th as well, Eliseev has missed 2 here. Doll also 1,1 after missing his last shot; back at S1 Moravec is clear and out, but Tarjei Bø is also clear and out 3 seconds ahead of Moravec. JoBø is shooting very fast at S1 and he’s clear – 10.5 faster than his brother. Lukas Hofer is 10/10 and quicker than QFM; Peiffer is 1,1 – both times it was the first shot that missed. On the lap Doll is closing down on QFM’s time, despite his 2 misses. Loginov clear at S2, but his ski speed is not as good as Doll’s. Back at S1, the top 4 times are all Norwegian – JoBø, Christiansen, Tarjei, and now L’Abee-Lund. Tarjei has missed 1 at S2, but still out 2nd, +9.2. At S1 Emilien Jacquelin is clear and out just 2 seconds behind Johannes, who has just missed 1 at S2 – he’s still 7.5 ahead of Hofer though. At the finish it’s currently Hofer ahead of QFM, Eberhard and Doll, but the Norwegians are coming! At 8.5 km JoBø is 28.8 ahead of Hofer, and 32.1 ahead of his brother; Tarjei seems to be fading a bit on the final lap – he’s over the line in 4th, behind Hofer, QFM and Eberhard. JoBø in and 31.7 faster than Hofer, and he doesn’t look that tired! Back at S2 Jacquelin has missed 2; at S1 Nawrath is clear and just 6.5 behind. The fog seems to be thickening again near the range, and it’s a little windy now too – unlucky for Kühn. Felix Leitner in for S2 – unlucky with the conditions but he’s cleared – out 6th, +22.3; Nawrath has even worse vis and has missed his 10th. Leitner over the line 10th; he, QFM and Hofer the only 10/10s so far. No change to the top 10 for a while, but George Buta (ROU) has joined the 10/10 club, as has Dimitar Gerdzhikov (BUL), but they are the only 5. That’s it – JoBø (0,1)wins again (his 14th this season?), ahead of Hofer (0,0), QFM (0,0), Eberhard (1,1), Tarjei Bø (0,1) and Benedikt Doll (1,1). Lapshin quickest on the range, ahead of Bauer and Eberhard. Guess who was fastest around the tracks – no surprise, it was Johannes, who was 21 seconds faster than Doll, then Eberhard, Peiffer, Kühn and Desthieux.

Oslo Holmenkollen – Women’s 10 km Pursuit, 23 March: Looks a nicer day – no fog this time! Kuzmina away first, followed by Preuß; no Vittozzi today though as she didn’t do well enough in the sprint. Herrmann and Eckhoff gaining time early on – not sure if that is a good idea? Kuzmina at S1 – quite fast shooting and all 5 down. Preuß is clear but quite a few of the other chasers are missing. Out Kuzmina, Preuß, Aymonier (all clear), Røeiseland (1 miss), Doro W (0) and Högberg (0; +1:02.0). Kuzmina is gaining time on the lap, and she’s in for S2 – good shooting and it’s now 10/10 and away. Franzi Preuß in now, with Aymonier – Preuß has missed 2, Högberg is clear though, so is Öberg. Out Kuzmina, Persson (+1:14.6) Högberg, Eckhoff (1,0), Herrmann (1,0) and Røeiseland (1,0; +1:16.1). Wierer has missed 1 and she’s out 10th. This seems a short lap – Kuzmina is already in for S3, the first standing shoot – all down; I thought one looked a bit lucky. Eckhoff, Herrmann and Högberg in – Herrmann (1,0,0) clear, as is Persson (0,0,0) and they are out 2 & 3 , but over 1:20 back. Öberg (0,0,0) up to 4th ahead of Egan (1,0,0) and Högberg (0,0,1). Eckhoff (1,0,1) in 7th ahead of Doro (0,1,1); Røeiseland (1,0,2) in 10th. Kuzmina in for the final shoot – 20/20 and away – what is she on today? That’s going to put pressure on Doro for the Mass Start! Denise Herrmann has missed 1 but she’s away in 2nd; Öberg has missed 1 but out 3rd, ahead of Persson, Røeiseland (1,0,2,0) and Eckhoff (1,0,1,0). Doro (0,1,1,2) out 10th, just behind Kaisa Mäkäräinen (1,0,0,0; up from 32nd). Kuzmina has taken the win today, so that’s 60 more points towards the overall in what is supposed to be her penultimate race. Denise Herrmann will take 2nd and Öberg is safe in 3rd. Good race for 4th between Røeiseland and Persson – the Norwegian takes it, with Eckhoff into 6th, just ahead of Preuß and Mäkäräinen. Doro seems to have eased off a bit too early, coming in just 12th – the overall globe is going to be close – Patrick reckons it’s 36 points between Wierer and Kuzmina! So, gaining places today the list includes Öberg (17 to 3), Mäkäräinen (32-8), Hauser (26-11), Vitková (23-13), Dunklee (30-18), Dahlmeier (27-20), Innerhofer (33-21), Brun-Lie (52-33), Bescond (58-25), Puskarčíková (51-27) and Hettich (GER, 44-32). Going backwards the list includes Preuß (2-7), Aymonier (4-10), Lunder (9-24), Fialkova (3-35), Tandrevold (16-37) and Tomingas (29-56). Doro has won the Pursuit globe, it seems. The wind seems to be getting up for the men!

Oslo Holmenkollen – Men’s 12.5 km Pursuit, 23 March: I hope this one is a bit more exciting, but I’m not holding my breath! JoBø away with over 30 seconds in hand; Lukas Hofer is losing a bit on the lap, although Eberhard and Doll have closed a little. JoBø is in for S1 – long pause before the fifth but they are all down. Chasing group in – QFM has missed 1 but Eberhard has missed 4; Nawrath 3 and Samuelsson 4. Out Johannes, Hofer ( +47.9), Doll, Tarjei, Peiffer and Christiansen (+1:02.9) – all clear. The chasing group seem to be losing a bit on this lap; JoBø already in for S2 – looking windier, and he’s missed 2 – changed the sights and got the rest. Doll has missed 1; Tarjei, Hofer, Peiffer and Christiansen all clear – out 2, 3, 4, 5 – Tarjei is +16.0, Christiansen +24.8. Guigonnat has missed 2 here, Lesser 3. JoBø has opened up a little on Tarjei at 5.9 Km, the gap is up to 19.4 at 6.9 Km. JoBø (0,2,0) in for S3 and that was fast shooting – very accurate too as he’s hit all 5. Tarjei (0,0,0) is even quicker – all 5 down and out +18.9. Leitner (0,0,0) third, +43.1, then Christiansen (0,0,1), Peiffer (0,0,1) and Doll (0,1,1). Hofer in 7th after missing 2 this time. This could be an all Norwegian podium! JoBø in for S4 – it’s windier still – he’s missed just 1. Tarjei has missed just number 3. Christiansen has missed his final shot; Leitner and Peiffer clear here. So, Johannes leads out, ahead of Tarjei (+17.6), Leitner (+24.1), Peiffer (+26.3), Christiansen (+39.1) and Eliseev (+1:03.3). Leading 2 looking safe on this lap, but Leitner and Peiffer are very close. It’s going to be a Bø 1, 2 with a good fight for the final podium place. JoBø cruises to another win (yawn), with his brother in 2nd. Nice to see Arnd Peiffer getting 3rd, ahead of Felix Leitner, Christiansen in 5th, ahead of Hofer who just won a sprint for the line with Doll, who just pipped Desthieux. Right, gainers include Tarjei (5 to 2), Peiffer (8-3), Leitner (10-4), Christiansen (12-5), Eliseev (18-9), Doherty (32-11), Guigonnat (20-14), Fratzscher (GER, 31-15), Garanichev (28-17), Moravec (37-20), Rastorgujevs (49-21), Bauer (35-22), Hidensalo (34-23), Eder (41-29), Malyshko (45-34) and Seppala (48-35). Going the other way, Hofer (2-6), QFM (3-12), Eberhard (4-16), Lesser (16-24), Nawrath (11-37), Nelin (17-41), Krcmar (26-44) and Horn (36-53). That must have added the Pursuit globe to JoBø’s total – he looks set for the clean sweep this season, and his 15 wins is another record!

Oslo Holmenkollen – Women’s 12.5 km Mass start, 24 March: Conditions looking reasonable, not sure of the wind conditions yet. Kuzmina and Herrmann setting the early pace, Kaisa tucked in in 3rd. At 1.8 Km it’s Kuzmina leading just ahead of Herrmann, then Eckhoff, Vittozzi, Mäkäräinen and Wierer. In for S1 – Doro clear, Vittozzi has missed 3, Kuzmina 2 and Herrmann 1. Hanna Öberg leads out, ahead of Wierer, Fialkova, Røeiseland, Eckhoff and Kaisa M – all clear. Kuzmina currently 26th, +47.8, Braisaz is out, not sure what happened there (rifle snags?). Heading in for S2 – Røeiseland leading in – Wierer has missed 2 already, and 1 more – 3 loops! Bit windy but Öberg is 10/10 and leading out, ahead of Fialkova, Eckhoff, Preuß, Tandrevold and Egan (+24.0) – all 10/10. Herrmann 8th, clear at S2; Kuzmina (2,1) is 19th, +1:11.0, Doro W is 22nd, +1:18.5. Leading group in for S3 – Öberg has missed 1, so has Fialkova but they are out in that order, with Clare Egan 15/15 and up into 3rd. Tiril Eckhoff (0,0,2) is 4th, +22.7, just ahead of Herrmann (1,0,1; +24.7) and Preuß (0,0,1; +35.6). Røeiseland (0,1,2) in 7th, Kuzmina (2,1,1) is 10th and Wierer (0,3,1) 15th, +1:19.0. Tandrevold missed 3 at S3, Dahlmeier is (0,1,2), Kaisa (0,2,2). At 9.3 km Öberg is just ahead of Fialkova and Egan; Denise Herrmann has the gap down to 13.0 but Eckhoff is just behind her – Kuzmina up to 7th, +57.0; Wierer in 13th, +1:12.7. Final shoot – big gust of wind – Öberg has got 4; Fialkova has missed 3, Herrmann 2. Out of the range – Öberg (0,0,1,1) leads from Eckhoff (0,0,2,1), Egan (0,0,0,1) with Herrmann (1,0,1,2) in 4th, +32.6 – Hauser (1,0,1,0) in 5th, ahead Julia Simon. Doro (0,3,1,1) is 10th, just ahead of Kuzmina (2,1,1,2). On the lap Egan has passed Eckhoff – not what was expected! Eckhoff back ahead at 11.8 km; Öberg seems to be safe in the lead? Herrmann isn’t closing enough to get on the podium. At 11.8 Kuzmina in 10th, just ahead of Doro and Vittozzi. Tiril is really going for it; Hanna Öberg gets the win, ahead of the fast charging Eckhoff, with Clare Egan holding off Herrmann to get the final podium place. Kuzmina finished 10th, Vittozzi has just pipped Doro for 11th and 12th; Kaisa (0,2,2,3) down in 23rd. On the range Simon was fastest, ahead of Vittozzi and Haecki. Denise Herrmann quickest around the tracks, ahead of Kuzmina, Eckhoff, Kaisa M, Mironova and Davidova. Doro has got the overall globe, (Vittozzi in 2nd) and Hanna Öberg gets the Mass Start globe!!

Oslo Holmenkollen – Men’s 15 km Mass start, 24 March: Might be a bit windier than it was for the women? JoBø seems to be taking the first lap quite gently; at 2.4 km he’s just ahead of Hofer, Christiansen, Eberhard and Peiffer – just 5.9 seconds separate the top 20. Here we go for S1; a few misses but JoBø is clear; Guigonnat leads out, ahead of Eberhard, Christiansen, JoBø, Samuelsson and Weger (+4.9) – top 14 all clear; several with 1 miss and Windisch, Fak and Doherty with 2 misses. There is a group of 12 forming on the lap – Julian Eberhard swapping leads with Johannes, who is now starting to stretch the field as they head for S2. Eberhard and Weger have missed; Christiansen first out with JoBø right with him; Peiffer in 3rd (+1.6) then Nawrath and Claude – all 10/10. Eberhard in 6th after his 1 miss at S2. Sadly Erik Lesser is now 1,3 and last, behind Doherty (2,2) and QFM (1,2). On the lap there’s a “group” of 3 + 1 + 1 – Nawrath dropping back a bit as Eberhard closes up at the front; 6 more between 17.3 and 19.4. S3 and JoBø is shooting fast; clear and away – Christiansen has missed 2. So, JoBø leads out, 9.1 ahead of Peiffer with Nawrath 3rd, +16.0 – those 3 15/15. Then Doll (1,0,0; +21.0), Eberhard (0,1,1; +40.4) and Claude (0,0,1; +42.8). Rastorgujevs in touch still, ahead of Christiansen (+47.5),Tarjei and L’Abee-Lund. JoBø has upped the pace on the lap; the gap is up to 22.3 at 10.5 km; Doll up to 3rd – Germans in 2nd, 3rd and 4th, then a gap to Eberhard and Christiansen. JoBø is in for his final shoot – all 20 cleared, and Arnd Peiffer has done the same; Doll has missed his last shot, and Nawrath has missed 1 as well. Christiansen the next clear here. JoBø leads, ahead of Peiffer (+27.4), then Christiansen and Doll, neck and neck about 56 seconds back; Eberhard is +1:19.5 with Desthieux just behind him. JoBø cruising (by his standard) to his 16th win in a season; Doll in 3rd and pulling away from Christiansen at this stage of the lap; Eberhard is closing on the Norwegian too! Johannes Thingnes Bø (0,0,0,0) wins, stopping to pick up a flag and a set of Viking horns – great to see Arnd Peiffer (0,0,0,0) in 2nd and Benedikt Doll (1,0,0,1) in 3rd – good effort! Julian Eberhard has passed Christiansen to take 4th; Hofer and Desthieux have crashed but still get 6 and 7 respectively. Nice to see Lucas Fratzscher (0,0,0,0) in 12th – only 3 shooting the perfect score in this race. Eder fastest on the range, ahead of JoBø and Eberhard – Eberhard quickest around the course, ahead of Rastorgujevs, Hofer, Tarjei, Doll and Claude, although JoBø was very slow on the last couple hundred metres! There we go – all 5 globes to Johannes – that’s it until the first week of December! Apparently Freddie Lindström is retiring.