Strong performance from Germany’s second biathlon series in the IBU Cup in Obertilliach. In the women’s mass start, the DSV was not only able to celebrate victory, but also three additional top ten placements. In the men’s race, only the overwhelming Norwegians proved invincible.
While Franziska Preuß stormed to World Cup victory in Annecy on Saturday, Germany’s second biathlon series also had reason to celebrate around 800 km further east in Obertilliach. There Stefanie Scherer secured victory in the mass start over 12 km in the IBU Cup.
The 28-year-old laid the foundation for victory at the shooting range, where she was one of only two athletes without a miss. In the end, this flawless performance was enough to cross the finish line 5.8 seconds ahead of the Frenchwoman Paula Botet (one mistake). Third place went to Botet’s teammate Camille Bened (two errors/+20.1 seconds).
Marion Wiesensarter, Sophia Schneider and Lisa Maria Spark ensured an all-round successful DSV day and crossed the line in fourth, fifth and ninth place. The only reason for quarrel was Schneider, who impressed on the cross-country ski trail, but missed out on a possible victory with four mistakes at the shooting range. Ultimately, she was 35.3 seconds behind Scherer.
Biathlon superiority from Norway is too strong
The German men also celebrated a small, respectable success. Among them, Roman Rees (two errors) was the best in the mass start in fifth place. Lucas Fratzscher, David Zobel and Leonhard Pfund finished the race in 12th, 15th and 17th place.
Rees was the best non-Norwegian in the final rankings. The Scandinavians once again made the race a one-team show and secured places one to four. Even his teammates couldn’t beat Johan-Olav Botn, who finished ahead of Isak Frey, Johannes Dale and Sivert Bakken despite four shooting errors.