Slovenian biathletes celebrate their second podium of the year at the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon Pokljuka 2025. In the 12.5 km Mass Start race, Anamarija Lampič finished in third place behind French Lou Jeanmonnot and Bulgarian Milena Todorova, creating a real sporting celebration among the fans at Rudno polje.
The decisive factor was great shooting. Lampič hit 19 out of 20 targets, and in difficult conditions with continuous snowfall, she confidently reached third place, marking her second-ever podium finish after a third place in the December sprint in Le Grand-Bornand, France.
“Finally, I managed to do what I’ve been working on in training. Those who are with me, who are close to me, know this, and I’ve finally shown it in the race. I’m happy that it happened here in Pokljuka, surrounded by the best fans and my closest ones,” Lampič said after the race.
The Slovenian representative started the race excellently, finishing the first two prone shooting stages with 10 hits, moving up to fifth place. Later, she took the lead of the chasing group and was in third place before the next shooting stage. After hitting the next five targets in the standing position, which is more difficult for her, the home fans began to hope for another podium.
Lou Jeanmonnot hit all five targets at the final shooting stage, as did Bulgarian Todorova. Lampič arrived at the shooting range in second place. Both Lampič and Richard left the shooting range with one penalty lap. Lampič was 21 seconds behind Todorova and five behind Richard but quickly caught up with the French.
“At the beginning, it seemed like my skis weren’t running very fast, so I followed the group, but then the material kept getting faster and faster. It’s incredible what the ski technicians managed to do. The tough conditions we had today obviously suit me. After hitting 19 targets, I feel like I’ve won,” said Anamarija Lampič, the second Slovenian hero of the 2025 winter season.
At the front, Jeanmonnot was reliable and took her seventh World Cup win of the season. With this win, she reduced the gap in the World Cup overall standings to 20 points behind German Franziska Preuss, who finished fifth. Todorova achieved her best-ever result in her career, finishing second, while Lampič secured third place.
PHOTO: Nordic Focus Photo Agency
