If the Swede Sebastian Samuelsson, 23, won the first victory of his career in the World Cup in pursuit in Kontiolahti (Finland), Fabien Claude offered the first podium of the season to the Blues. Author of a spectacular comeback, he took second place in the race at the last minute. The 25-year-old Vosges achieves the best result of his career in the World Cup.
For his part, Johannes Boe, long in the lead, cracked at the end and finished only third. The Norwegian, double holder of the big crystal globe, however retains the lead of the general classification.
Starting 11th 54 seconds from the lead and despite three shooting faults, Fabien Claude notably took advantage of Boe’s failure on his last standing shot to catch up with the chasing pack before overtaking the Norwegian in the final meters.
Last season, the Frenchman reached a top 10 for the first time on the individual from Östersund (Sweden) by placing 7th. Then he got his first podium on the individual of Pokljuka (Slovenia), behind Boe and Martin Fourcade.
In March, Claude concluded the season, the best of his career, in 19th place in the general classification of the World Cup, and in 5th place in the individual classification.
In the wake of his 3rd place in Pokljuka, the Spinalien, licensed in Basse-sur-le Rupt, paid a poignant tribute to his father, who accidentally disappeared at the age of 58 the day before during a snowmobile ride. “There was a tragic accident in Canada for my father,” Fabien said in tears, whose two brothers are also biathletes (the eldest, Florent, 29, in the Belgian team, and Emilien, 21). This podium is for him, I’m sure he’s proud of us and I’m proud of what I did today. The goal was not necessarily the result, it was to pay a last tribute and do the best possible. “
