Biathlon: Ruhpolding is ready for the World Cup spectacle

After Oberhof, the biathlon entourage will stop off again in Germany. A biathlon spectacle is also expected in Ruhpolding.

It’s all set: While the schedule in Oberhof had to be changed due to the weather, the traffic lights in Bavaria are green: The World Cup can take place as planned from January 10th to 14th. The general conditions are magnificent: just in time, the Chiemgau Arena was transformed into a white winter wonderland, and just in time for the official training, the sun even shone in the freezing temperatures on Tuesday (January 9, 2024).

“The conditions in Ruhpolding are excellent. The cross-country ski trail is in top condition, plus the weather is great”, said OK President Hermann Hipf to sportschau.de. The competitions could have been held even without the fresh snow – despite the warm temperatures, the official okay was given before the onset of winter. The route preparation was completed thanks to the existing reserves in the depot. “Like every year, 1,400 cubic meters are stored in the depots“, says Hipf.

Kebinger for Voigt in the relay

According to the OC boss, 55,000 tickets have been sold so far. But Hipf assumes that the stadiums will be full given the fantastic conditions. The women’s relay starts on Wednesday (2.30 p.m. in the live ticker at sportschau.de). After Oberhof’s disappointment with fifth place, the German biathletes want to make amends. Sophia Schneider, Janina Hettich-Walz, Hanna Kebinger and Franziska Preuß attack. The ailing Vanessa Voigt is not there this time. The Thuringian suffered a finger injury on her left hand after a fall during her home race in the pursuit. She is scheduled to start again in the sprint on Friday.

Preuß “with a good feeling” at the “real” home World Cup

Preuß in particular is hoping for a successful season in front of thousands of expectant fans in her adopted hometown. “We are one of the nations that can run up front. Everyone has to have a good dayn,” said the 29-year-old. She kicks with one “good feeling” by your “right” Home World Cup.

In the season of Oberhof be easy “the worm was in there“. It now applies “to take advantage of the new opportunity” said Preuss clearly. Women’s coach Kristian Mehringer is optimistic about his model athlete for the World Cup on his own doorstep: “Franzi is very stable, the only thing missing is victory. The most important thing is that she is healthy and feels good. This gives her a positive mood. When she rides a wave, we can expect a lot from her.“In January 2019 she achieved her only World Cup victory to date in Ruhpolding.

DSV team wants to celebrate with 65,000 spectators

Up to 65,000 spectators are expected over the five days of competition. “They are primarily there because of us. We want to give something back and celebrate with them.”said sports director Felix Bitterling: “We’re not here to join in, we want to have a say and not just watch the others celebrate.”

Above all, the recently strong German men want to annoy the overpowering Norwegians in the relay, sprint and pursuit from Thursday. “We’re doing well in terms of running. We’ll keep going. We’ll take the chance if they make a mistake,” announced Benedikt Doll. Fewer “old-fashioned biathlon” demanded coach Uros Velepec: At the shooting range “risk more, work faster”. Then his team could “fight for victories with Norway.”

Schedule of competitions in Ruhpolding