Eric Perrot Secures Victory and Yellow Bib in Kontiolahti Mass Start

Posted : 09 December 2024

Eric Perrot of France delivered an exceptional performance in the Kontiolahti Men’s 15 km Mass Start, securing victory with a clean shooting day and a time of 37:12.9. By hitting all targets, particularly in the standing stages, Perrot not only clinched his second career win but also claimed the prestigious Yellow Bib.

At just 22 years old, he became the second-youngest male to wear the Yellow Bib, following Johannes Thingnes Boe, who relinquished it after this race. Perrot's flawless effort also contributed to a 1-2 finish for France, marking a significant achievement for the team.

Following his victory, Perrot described the emotional and physical challenges of the race. “It was extra special,” he remarked, reflecting on his frozen state during the final moments. "Crossing the line first was surreal. I checked behind me three or four times to confirm it was real and celebrated with the crowd.” He credited the win to the team’s collective strength and resilience after a tough season last year. “It’s crazy to have two wins in a row for France. I’m proud of my team, and it feels amazing to be part of this journey.”

Perrot's compatriot Quentin Fillon Maillet completed the French dominance by finishing second, 9.1 seconds behind, despite incurring three penalties. Reflecting on Perrot’s new role as the Yellow Bib holder, Fillon Maillet offered words of encouragement, likening the Bib to a "Superman suit" that provides strength rather than pressure.

Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid rounded out the podium in third place, finishing 11.5 seconds back with two penalties. Germany’s Danilo Riethmueller delivered a career-best fourth-place finish, trailing by 17.7 seconds with a single penalty.

The race unfolded under consistent weather conditions, with light winds and a temperature of -2°C. Norway and France controlled the pace early on, with Sturla Holm Laegreid leading a tightly packed group out of the first prone stage.

However, it was Perrot’s impeccable shooting that made the difference in the standing stages, allowing him to take the lead after his competitors faltered. While Perrot ran unchallenged in the final loop, a fierce battle for second emerged. Fillon Maillet pulled ahead of Laegreid on the final climb, securing France’s dominant performance and leaving Laegreid to settle for third.

Eric Perrot Secures Victory and Yellow Bib in Kontiolahti Mass Start

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