France claimed their first relay win of the season as the event in Antholz came to a close ©IBU

France’s women secured their maiden International Biathlon Union (IBU) 4x6 kilometres relay victory of the season in style as they produced a commanding performance to take gold on the final day of the event in Antholz, Italy today.

The French quartet of Justine Braisaz, Anais Bescond, Anais Chevalier and Marie Dorin Habert powered round the course in a time of 1hr 07min 53.5sec to comfortably beat nearest challengers Eva Puskarcikova, Lucie Charvatova, current overall World Cup leader Gabriela Soukalova and Veronika Vitkova of the Czech Republic.

The Russian team, comprised of Ekaterina Shumilova, Anastasia Zagoruiko, yesterday’s pursuit gold medallist Ekaterina Yurlova-Percht and Olga Podchufarova, did enough to earn bronze.

Italy narrowly missed out on a place on the podium as they were fourth, while Norway were a place further back in fifth.

Chevalier had managed to open up a lead after the third leg of the relay and double world champion Dorin Habert built on her teammate’s advantage to cross the line a commanding 17.2 seconds in front of the Czech team with eight spare rounds.

The result moves France into fourth place on the overall relay leaderboard on 136 points, 15 points behind leaders Italy.

“I think it is good for us to try our team for the World Championships,” Dorin Habert said.

“All of the team did a very good job; not having any mistakes is the key to winning and it makes it easier for the last leg.

“It is great to finish with a win before we go to the USA."

Russia's Anton Shipulin guided his nation to a thrilling win in the men's 4x7.5km event
Russia's Anton Shipulin guided his nation to a thrilling win in the men's 4x7.5km event ©IBU

In the men's 4x.7.5km relay, Anton Shipulin, winner of yesterday's pursuit, was victorious again as he helped guide Russia to gold in a time of 1:12:24.8.

The Russian contingent, which also included Maxim Tsvetkov, Evgeniy Garanichev and Dmitry Malyshko, finished ahead of Germany, whose team was made up of Erik Lesser, Benedikt Doll, Arnd Peiffer and Simon Schempp, who were forced to settle for silver.

Norway's team of Ole Einar Bjørndalen, Lars Helge Birkeland, Johannes Thingnes Bø and Erlend Bjoentegaard took home bronze as they were 22.9 seconds behind in third.

After keeping in contention throughout the race, Russia tagged Shipulin for the fourth and final leg and he managed to overtake Schempp on the final loop to clinch victory for his nation.

"Simon is a strong athlete, but today I was stronger and it was about tactics in the stadium," he said.

Russia keep hold of their overall lead as they are on 174 points, with Norway closely following on 162.

The next IBU World Cup competition will take place in Canmore, Canada from February 3 to 7.