RUHPOLDING, Germany -- Olympic champion Ukraine held off a strong challenge by Germany to win a women's World Cup biathlon relay event on Sunday.
Ukraine's final racer Olena Pidhrushna fought with Laura Dahlmeier in the home stretch and crossed the line in one hour 16 minutes 14.2 seconds, 1.2 seconds ahead of the Germans. Germany had recovered from 11th after two penalty loops in the second leg. Dahlmeier needed a spare in the final shoot but nearly overcame a nine-second deficit to the Ukrainian.
Canada finished ninth in 1:59:05, the top relay finish of the season for the Canadian team, which includes Megan Tandy of Prince George, Julia Ransom of Kelowna, Rosanna Crawford of Canmore and Zina Kocher of Red Deer, Alta.
Meanwhile, at the IBU Cup mixed team relay Sunday in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy, Sarah Beaudry of Prince George helped Canada to an 11th-place finish in the 18-team event. Canada ended up 5:05 off the winning pace of 1:21:32 set by the Ukraine team.
-- with files from the Prince George Citizen
