Germany has claimed its fourth biathlon gold of the Games, with victory in the 4 x 7.5km relay at Cesana San Sicario on 21 February (Day 11), finishing 20.9 seconds ahead of the Russian team.

In a thrilling duel for bronze, France and Sweden dead-heated with a time of one hour 22 minutes 35.1 seconds.

France was awarded the bronze medal after a photo finish showed they had edged out the Swedes by just a few millimetres.Pre-race favourites Norway finished a disappointing 5th.

Germany’s team of Ricco Gross, Michael Roesch, Sven Fischer and Michael Greis won in a time of one hour 21 minutes 51.5 seconds.

22-year-old Roesch, the youngest member of their team, is the son of former dual Olympic biathlon gold medallist Eberhard Roesch.

It was the younger Roesch’s first Olympic medal.

“I acknowledge all my dad’s success and maybe one of these days I’ll be as successful as he was,” he said.

German anchor Greis was happy with his performance. 

“My skiing was very good today. I think I’ve adapted to the altitude,” he said.

“I was really nervous before I started, but I tried to stay cool and I managed it. After the second shooting I was so glad and I was just smiling.”

Tom Read/AOC
Torino