At the second World Cup weekend within a week on German soil, biathlon fans have to be prepared for some personnel changes among the top teams. Both the Norwegian and Italian teams arrive with a different line-up.
As the Norwegian Biathlon Association announced on Monday, the newly recovered Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold will not be taking part in the upcoming World Cup weekend in Ruhpolding. Instead, the 28-year-old travels directly to Antholz to prepare for the following races. She will be replaced by Ragnhild Femsteinevik.
Although Tandrevold performed well in Oberhof, it was still important to think in terms of perspective, explained manager Per Arne Botnan, explaining why he was giving up the team’s nominal number one position. “That’s why she will now travel to Antholz and join the team again in a week,” said Botnan.
Tandrevold made her comeback in Oberhof after a week-long break during which she underwent minor heart surgery. At the beginning of the season, the Norwegian experienced cardiac arrhythmias during the races in Kontiolahti, which made the operation necessary. The 28-year-old herself assured last week that her suffering was in no way serious or even life-threatening.
There is also a personnel change in the Norwegian men’s team. Here Johannes Dale is back in the A squad after a strong IBU Cup weekend on Arber. Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen and Endre Strømsheim are also in the squad, but will not start in the individual on Wednesday. The duo should take part again in the final mass start on Sunday.
Two new faces in the Italian biathlon team
The Italian association for Ruhpolding also announced new faces. Here Rebecca Passler returns to the squad and makes her season debut in the World Cup. So far this winter, the 23-year-old has only been used in the IBU Cup. Ilaria Scattolo has to give up her place in the team.
There is also a change among Italian men. Oberhof debutant Marco Barale is heading back to the IBU Cup. Daniele Cappellari is moving into the senior team to replace him.
Meanwhile, there are no changes in the French team. After the strong races in Oberhof, including a triple sprint victory for the men and two individual victories for the women, the Grande Nation relied on its proven forces in Ruhpolding.