After clearing the last five targets in the Pursuit, Sturla Holm Laegreid did what usually French winners do: he celebrated his first win of the season by waiving to the crowd before going into the final and victorious lap. Sophie Chauveau captured public hearts with a highly emotional last lap in the Sprint and her first-ever flower podium finish. Federica Sanfilippo celebrated a win in the IBU Cup Sprint in her home village Ridnaun-Val Ridanna. Para-biathletes starred in Vuokatti, Finland, and Maya Cloetens continued her consistent performance in the IBU Junior Cup.

Sturla gets French in France

Sturla Holm Laegreid finished second behind the winner JT Boe four times before the Pursuit in Annecy. After clearing all five targets in the last standing shoot - and seeing his teammates Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen and JT Boe disappear into the penalty loop - he waived to the fans before enjoying his victory lap. A year ago, Quentin Fillon Maillet and Emilien Jacquelin did the same as they won in the Pursuit and Mass start. But who did they all learn from?

Sophie Chauveau’s final lap of deep emotions and great speed

Coming seemingly out of nowhere with the bib number 86, Sophie Chauveau captured fans' hearts with an unusually emotional last lap in the Sprint and her first-ever flower podium finish. She cried, she laughed, and competed! Her teammates waited for her and lifted her on their shoulders. Just watch!

Sanfilippo wins at home

Federica Sanfilippo, missing once, skied her way to a win in the Sprint in Ridnaun-Val Ridanna, Italy. For Sanfilippo, it was the second IBU Cup win in her career, and that it happened in her hometown Ridnaun - Val RIdanna made it all the more special.

“I didn't feel too well in the last days before the competition. I gave it all in the last lap, and it worked out. I am so happy to do it in my hometown, in front of my family, friends, and people of this valley,” said over-the-moon happy Sanfilippo.

Cloetens keeps collecting podiums and flowers

Maya Cloetens has not yet won in the IBU Junior Cup this season, but he has not finished outside the Top 6 either. She is the leader in the Total Score before the Christmas break.

Para biathletes star in Vuokatti

Para biathletes held the first week of this season’s FIS World Cup competitions in Vuokatti, Finland. Anja Wicker (sitting) won six out of six races in an exceptional week. Leonie Maria Walter (VI; with Pirmin Strecker), Linn Kazmaier (VI; with Florian Baumann), Mark Arendz (standing), and Taras Rad (sitting) were also multiple winners. Saturday was also the historical premiere for the Team Sprints in the Para World Cup.

Photo: IBU/C. Manzoni, H. Deubert & Roni Lukkarinen (Vuokatti)