Vetle Christiansen from Norway won the men's 15 km mass start in front of a sold-out crowd at Tehvandi Arena in Otepää with a lead of 5.9 seconds ahead of Quentin Fillon Maillet, who had to miss once, in second place.
Youngster Sivert Bakken, who is getting stronger and stronger towards the end of the World Cup season, finished the race with one miss and 15.5 seconds behind his compatriot Christiansen. Erik Lesser was again able to please and finished as the best DSV athlete with a gap of 38.6 seconds in an excellent fifth place.
Filip Andersen and Sturla Holm Laegreid finished seventh and tenth respectively in the TOP-10.
With his second place in the mass start Quentin Fillon Maillet secured the win of the overall World Cup for the first time early and cannot be caught by the competition and the remaining races.
Results 15 km mass start men, Otepää:
1. Vetle Christiansen, NOR 34.29,6 Min.
2.Quentin Fillon Maillet, FRA +5,9 Sek.
3. Sivert Bakken, NOR. + 15,5 Sek.
Statement Vetle Christiansen:" That was a hot fight today, which demanded everything from me. Quentin chased me in the last lap, but once again I could rely on my final sprint.
At the finish line I was exhausted, but super happy about my victory:"
Quentin Fillon Maillet:" It was a good show from us today for the great audience here in Otepää. I fought until the end, but Vetle was just the tick better today, although I could catch up more and more in the last lap.
That I have already won the overall World Cup makes me very proud."
Statement Sivert Bakken:" Third place in this strong competition shows that I am on a good way, but slowly the battery is empty."
Image K.Voigt photography
Text Helmut Hanus