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POKLJUKA, Slovenia (December 14, 2012) - Susan Dunklee (Barton, VT) had her best race of the 2012-13 season this morning in the IBU World Cup Women's 7.5k Sprint in snowy Pokljuka, Slovenia. Posting a time of 23:03 for 14th place, and just one penalty in standing, Dunklee was 53.2 seconds back from Gabriela Soukalova (CZE) with her first career World Cup win at 22:09.8 and clean shooting. Miriam Gossner (GER) finished second with a time of 22:11.9 and two penalties. Nadezhda Skardino (BLR) took third posting 22:39.9 and clean shooting.



Dunklee held strong among the top-3 throughout much of today's race, but a missed shot in standing just barely put her out of podium contention. "14th is a super place for me to be right now," said Dunklee. "I had a few good days of shooting in practice this week and I think that helped me regain confidence on the range. There was heavy snow falling during the race and our team thrives in such challenging conditions. We have put in so much work together as a group the last few years and are so excited to see it pay off with three women scoring points today and starting tomorrow's Pursuit."



Finishing among today's top-60, Dunklee will race for Team USA in Saturday's 10k Pursuit, and has a good chance at qualifying for Sunday's Mass Start.



Sara Studebaker (Boise, ID) finished 36the today, posting 23:51.6 with on penalty in standing. Annelies Cook (Saranac Lake, NY) finished 40th with a time of 23:55 (1+1). Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) placed 92nd (26:50.9/1+2). Studebaker and Cook have also qualified for tomorrow's 10k Pursuit. The Women's 10k Pursuit begins at 9am (EST). Start lists and results will be posted here and a live webcast will be available at www.biathlonworld.com.



"In challenging conditions Susan had her best race of the season," said US Biathlon CEO Max Cobb. "Her only miss cost her a podium finish and as it was she was only 6 seconds from the top-10. A very good sign of things to come. Also Susan and Annelies had strong finishes, their best of the season as well. The Pursuit competitions on Saturday will be very exciting."



Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) and Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) will race in Saturday's 12.5k Pursuit, starting 4th and 36th, respectively. The live webcast of tomorrow's Pursuit begins at 6:45am (EST) at www.biathlonworld.com. Saturday's start list and results are available here.