With five French athletes entering the top ten, the victory was won by the Frenchwoman Amandine Mangene, who was flawless in both shootings and reached the finish line after 21 minutes and 32.4 seconds.
In second place, losing 3.7 seconds and making one mistake in the first firing line, she was followed by compatriot Sophie Chavo, but Italy’s Rebecca Pasler closed all the targets, 22.5 seconds behind the winner at the finish and completed the top three.
Bendika closed all the targets in the first firing line, but made three mistakes in standing shooting and was one minute and 31.5 seconds behind Menzhena at the finish, ranking 14th in the competition of 85 athletes. The Latvian had the eighth fastest step on the track.
On Thursday, men will compete in another ten kilometer sprint. Another sprint race is scheduled for Saturday, and the pursuit will take place on Sunday.
The IBU Biathlon Cup is the second most important competition series after the World Cup.