The French Alps were alive with biathlon competition with the men's 10km sprint in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France. The third stage of the IBU World Cup season is proving to be quite challenging for the biathletes, resulting in uber-competitive races.

The French have yet to get the party they've been wishing for on home soil. On Thursday, it looked as though Lou Jeanmonnot of France would usher in the fête with a victory, but was usurped for the top spot by Sweden's Hanna Oeberg.

Frenchman Emilien Jacquelin experienced a similar fate in front of his patriotic supporters.

While Jacquelin led for most of the men's sprint, a final Norwegian push dashed France's victory hopes for the second day in a row. Norway's Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen won gold after he raced to the finish in 25:00.6 and capped off a thriller final sprint for the victory.

Norwegian teammate Johannes Dale-Skjevdal finished just 3.5 seconds behind to claim silver.
 
Emilien Jacquelin of France secured the final spot on the podium after his time landed him five seconds behind the winner. For much of the race, the Frenchman held the top spot, even after a penalty loop following a miss on the final shooting stage, but he couldn't hold on.

Norway's Johan-Olav Botn missed the podium by just one second behind Jacquelin, in what would have been a Norwegian sweep of the podium.

Team USA's Campbell Wright and Paul Schommer finished 20th and 37th, respectively.

The top-60 finishers advance to the men's 12.5km pursuit event in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand. The women's 10km pursuit competition also will take place.