Thanks to a sensational final lap Kaisa Mäkäräinen wins the overall World Cup in biathlon for the third time in succession by a mere three points, plus the small crystal globe for the mass start World Cup on top of it. Her euphoria knows no bounds – and the winner is lost for words: "This season has now come to a good end after all – that's all I can say. I'm over the moon." Olympic champion Anastasiya Kuzmina (SVK)** finishes in second just three points behind her and ahead of two other Fischer athletes, Darya Domracheva (BLR)** and Laura Dahlmeier (GER)**. The Slovak can take some comfort from the two small crystal globes in the discipline World Cup in sprint and pursuit, while Nadezhda Skardino (BLR)** is delighted with victory in the individual World Cup. The men's season is dominated by the duel between Martin Fourcade (FRA) and Johannes Thingnes Bø (NOR)**. The Norwegian challenger has to make way once again for the Frenchman in the overall World Cup but shares victory with him in the individual World Cup and is second in all other discipline standings. Anton Shipulin (RUS)** secures third place in the overall World Cup ahead of Arnd Peiffer (GER)*.
Shooting star dominates World Cup
This season's cross country World Cup is dominated by Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (NOR)**. The shooting star with the special skiing technique and refreshing character was a talking point both on and away from the track. Despite not taking part in the Tour de Ski he cruises to victory in the overall World Cup in the end as the youngest winner of all time, picking up the small globe for victory in the sprint World Cup for the second time as well as if there was nothing to it. "It's simply awesome. Winning the big crystal globe is amazing! It has been a fantastic season and I am very, very happy," says the outstanding Norwegian athlete. Following victory in the Tour de Ski, Dario Cologna (SUI)** goes on to secure the small crystal globe in the distance World Cup and, together with Martin Johnsrud Sundby (NOR)** in third place, completes the Fischer trio at the top of the overall World Cup. The fastest sprinters in the cross country World Cup are likewise to be found in the Fischer Race Family. Maiken Caspersen Falla (NOR)** clinches victory in the sprint World Cup for the third time in succession, winning the small crystal globe ahead of her brand colleagues Stina Nilsson (SWE)* and Sophie Caldwell (USA)**.
High-fliers with Fischer wings
Kamil Stoch (POL)* is THE high-flier of the winter season in every respect. Following his historic grand slam triumph by winning all four individual events in the Four Hills Tournament he goes on to win gold on the large hill at the Olympics, the RAW AIR Tour in Scandinavia and completes a season of superlatives with two victories in Planica (SLO) and victory in the overall World Cup ahead of Richard Freitag (GER)*. "It has been an incredible season for me and the entire team. I would like to thank every single one of them for their support, without which none of this would have been possible," says the Polish jumper, overwhelmed after his second overall World Cup title. In women's ski jumping Maren Lundby (NOR)* dominates her opponents and is on the podium after every World Cup event – including nine times on the very top. Her reward: the big crystal globe for victory in the overall World Cup, ahead of Katharina Althaus (GER)*.
Eternal second placer wins
In the Nordic combined Akito Watabe (JPN)** finally sheds his reputation as "eternal second placer". With a sensational finish to the season and two victories in Schonach (GER) the popular Japanese wins the big crystal globe for victory in the overall World Cup and is overjoyed: "That was an ideal day and a perfect end to a wonderful season." Fabian Riessle (GER)** manages to secure third place for himself in the overall World Cup standings with a strong finish in the season final.
The facts and figures of the success
Athletes of the Fischer Race Family are on the podium a total of 258 times in the course of the 17l18 World Cup season. In 135 individual events in the Nordic disciplines of cross country, biathlon, ski jumping and Nordic combined, Fischer athletes celebrate 98 World Cup victories, 82 second places and 77 third places. 64% of all podium finishes are won with Fischer skis, 55% with Fischer boots and 84% with the TURNAMIC® binding set-up. The Fischer athletes also win by far the most medals at the Olympic highlight of the season. The detailed summary of the Olympics can be found here: Olympic success in yellow and black. This makes Fischer the most successful ski and boot brand in the Nordic World Cup for the ninth time in succession, with Fischer also dominating the season in the premiere year of TURNAMIC® as the most successful binding brand.
* Fischer skis (& bindings)
** Fischer skis, bindings & boots
