Fears about participating in the World Cup in Hochfilzen
German biathlon star Preuß infected with Corona
December 8, 2025 – 6:27 p.mReading time: 1 min.
The start of the biathlon season is completely different for Franziska Preuß than she had hoped. The 31-year-old is sick – and it’s hitting her harder than initially expected.
Franziska Preuß is in danger of missing the second World Cup of the season. The world champion reported sick after the start in Östersund, Sweden, and now announced via Instagram: “Unfortunately, I got influenza & Corona last week. Things are looking up, but we still have to wait and drink tea. Fingers crossed that the energy comes back quickly!”
The World Cup in Hochfilzen, Austria begins on Friday with the sprint. The Olympic Games are coming up later in the season. The biathlon races there take place in Antholz, Italy.
The 31-year-old Preuß had repeatedly had problems with her health in the past. At the start of the season in Östersund, she was unable to deliver her usual performance in both the relay (1 penalty lap/11th place) and the individual race (29th place). She was subsequently surprised by her poor running form. Due to a sore throat, she gave up the sprint and thus also the pursuit in Sweden.
Last winter, Preuß managed an optional season for the first time after an operation on his sinuses. The Bavarian won, among other things, four World Cup medals, including gold in the pursuit, and also won the overall World Cup.