Top-Level Competition in Goms - Thrilling Races and Strong Performances

Today, several competitions took place in the Nordic Center Goms as part of the Winter Games. The program included the women's 10 km and men's 15 km cross-country skiing competitions in the morning, followed by the women's and men's biathlon sprints in the afternoon.

3/25/2025

Goms showcased its most spectacular side on this competition day: radiant sunshine, a deep blue sky, and perfect winter conditions provided the ideal backdrop for high-caliber races in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Switzerland and Italy Shine in Cross-Country Skiing

The day’s events began with the women's 10 km race at 9:30 AM, followed by the men's 15 km race at 11:00 AM. Switzerland’s Nadja Kälin delivered an outstanding performance, securing gold in 23:28.9 minutes. Italy’s Caterina Ganz followed 19 seconds behind in second place, while France’s Flora Dolci claimed third. From a Swiss perspective, it was a particularly strong showing, with Giuliana Werro and Marina Kälin also finishing in the top six.

In the men's 15 km race, Italy dominated with a one-two finish: Davide Graz took gold ahead of his teammate Elia Barp. Finland’s Markus Vuorela rounded out the podium with a bronze medal. The best Swiss finisher was Candide Pralong, who placed eighth—an impressive achievement in a highly competitive field.

France Dominates the Biathlon Sprints

In the afternoon, the biathlon sprint events took center stage. In the women’s competition, France’s Lou Jeanmonnot claimed victory with a flawless shooting performance (0+0) and a time of 23:01.8 minutes. Poland’s Natalia Sidorowicz, also shooting clean, secured second place, while Italy’s Samuela Comola took third despite one missed shot. The best Swiss athlete was Lena Häcki-Gross, who finished sixth, followed by Amy Baserga (10th), Lea Meier (20th), and Flavia Barmettler (29th).

In the men's race, France’s Eric Perrot triumphed with a time of 25:25.1 minutes and one shooting error. Estonia’s Jakob Kulbin, the only athlete in the leading group to shoot clean, secured second place with a time of 26:35.6 minutes. Germany’s Lucas Fratzscher completed the podium in third with two missed shots and a time of 26:53.1 minutes.

Switzerland’s Joscha Burkhalter put in a strong performance, finishing on the podium in second place with a time of 26:34.3 minutes and one missed shot.

The competitions provided an excellent opportunity for athletes to showcase their skills, contributing to the electric atmosphere of the Military World Winter Games.

Goms proved to be the perfect setting for military sports at the highest level—defined by fairness, team spirit, and impressive performances against a breathtaking mountain backdrop, all in line with the motto: «Friendship through Sport.»