The IOC offers the following Video News Release to all news agencies, broadcasters and online news platforms free of charge. The final day of biathlon at the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 provided plenty of plot twists as Italy sprang a late surprise on the dominant Russian team.  They beat Russia to the top of the podium, and a stellar final exchange meant the French went home with bronze from Les Tuffes Nordic Centre. Oleg Domichek of Russia held a lead of more than 25 seconds after the final exchange and looked set to power his side to the finish. Italian anchor Marco Barale, however, had other ideas. The 16-year-old was error-free through two rounds of shooting and knew he almost had gold in the bag. The men’s 12.5km individual champion, Domicheck, posted a dismal final round of shooting and was forced to ski a penalty loop. It meant the Italian quartet crossed the line first in the mixed relay in 1:10.55.3 seconds.  There was no hint of the drama to come as the race began relatively sedately. 17-year -old Martina Trabucchi, led off for the Italians leaving them just outside the medals in fourth after the first leg. She handed over to another 17-year-old, Linda Zingerle, who enjoyed a storming cross country skiing leg. Her shooting let down but such was her speed on skis, Zingerle still took Italy into the lead at the handover to Nicolo Betemps.  The 16-year old relinquished that lead but only by just under a second. Marco Barale, who is 16, anchored his team  home to victory, thanks largely to a faultless display with the rifle. Barale suffered no shooting penalties. Such was the advantage, he even had time to look back before crossing the finish line, using his ski poles as a telescope, with no opponent in sight.