Big surprise at the start of the Italian biathlon summer championships in Antholz. In the women’s sprint, numerous big names start, but in the end a blatant outsider cheers. In the men’s race, on the other hand, a well -known name is at the top of the podium.
The only 21-year-old Birgit Schölzhorn caused a fist-thick surprise on Saturday at the start of the Italian biathlon summer championships in Antholz and secured the victory in the sprint race.
Schölzhorn, previously completely without experience in the Biathlon World Cup and only active in the IBU Cup, shot twice flawlessly and distanced ex-relay world champion Hannah Achtaller (zero error) at the end of 10.0 seconds. Third place went to Finland’s top runner Suvi Minkinen (an error/+12.0 seconds).
Norway’s biathlon stars are still out of shape
Meanwhile, the runners from the Norwegian team experienced a real debacle. Although Maren Kirkeeide, June Arnekleiv and Ingrid Landmark Tankrevold, the Astry of the Scandinavians was at the start, there was no top 10 place in the end. Only Marthe Kraakstad Johansen sniffed the sixth on the podium. For Kirkeeide, Arnekleiv and Tandrevold, it was only enough for places 13, 15 and 33.
The two top Italian runners were not at the start Lisa Vittozzi and Dorothea Wierer. The German team also refrained from participating in the Italian title fights, which are held where the Olympic medals will also be awarded in a few months.
In the meantime, the men’s sprint failed to materialize. Sieg and title went to Tommaso Giacomel. Despite a shooting error, the Italian won Lukas Hofer (two errors) with a comfortable lead of 21.1 seconds. Bronze went to the Finn Olli Hiidsalo (zero error/+28.2 seconds).