At the first stop of the IBU Junior Cup in Pokljuka, the French team dominated the women's competitions. In the men's competitions, the victories went to Slovakia and Italy. In the sprints, there was a new record of participants for the Junior Cup for both the women with 132 starters and the men with 164 starters.

The women's races were dominated by the French team. Fany Bertrand won the individual race and came third in the sprint. She impressed with her good shooting in particular, missing only one target in both races.

Anna Andexer was the best of the day in the sprint. She remained penalty-free at the shooting range and was seven seconds faster on the track than her rival Voldiya Galmace Paulin from France, who also made it through the competition without a penalty. Third, fourth and fifth place also went to France with Fany Bertrand, Lisa Siberchicot and Celia Henaff. Marlene Fichtner from Germany was already over a minute behind the winner in sixth place.

In the individual over 12.5 kilometers, Alina Nussbicker from Germany and Lisa Siberchicot from France finished on the podium behind Fany Bertrand. Voldiya Galmace Paulin missed out on a medal in fourth place. Marlene Fichtner improved by one place compared to the sprint to finish fifth. Ukraine's Oleksandra Merkushyna and Alma Siegismund from Germany crossed the finish line at the same time and shared sixth place.

In the men's race, Jakub Borgula from Slovakia secured his first victory of the season in the IBU Junior Cup. Despite a shooting error in the standing stage, he was able to win the sprint. Although Linus Kesper made no mistakes at the shooting range, he finished eleven seconds behind Jakub Borgula. The bronze medal went to Edgar Geny from France.

Nicolo Betemps from Italy was the best in the 15-kilometer individual event. He was one of two athletes to finish all 20 shots. Ramses Tiislar from Estonia also managed this, securing second place. Vladyslav Chykhar from Ukraine completed the podium in third place. The next stop of the IBU Junior Cup will be in Ridnaun. There, the athletes will compete in sprint, mixed relay and single mixed relay.

Photos: IBU: Leo Authanayou