Biathlon in Nove Mesto
Preuss fails again: Fight for overall World Cup becomes a crime thriller
08.03.2025 – 6:40 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
In the persecution of Nove Mesto, a disastrous start Franziska Preuss cost a good placement. The struggle for the overall World Cup is coming to a head.
The fight for the yellow jersey is a big challenge for Franziska Preuss. After 15th place in the sprint, the world champion at the World Cup in Nove Mesto showed unusual weaknesses in lying shooting and came to 13th place. Immediately after the first attack, the 30-year-old had to go to the penalty three times, with this discipline with 97 percent hit rate so far. After that, she remained flawless and at least operated damage limitation.
Her worst rival in the overall World Cup, Lou JeanMonnot, became fourth. Already after the sprint, Prussia’s lead over the French woman had shrunk from 92 to 63 points. Now it is only 36 points. Preuss has been running in the yellow jersey since December 13, 2024.
In the victory of the Frenchwoman Julia Simon (1 error), Swede Hanna Öberg (2) finished second with a gap of 17.2 seconds. Third place went to Simon’s teammate Oceane Michelon (2/+ 19.2 seconds). The best German was fifth as in the sprint Selina Grotian (1/+ 24.1 seconds).
In spring -like temperatures, Preuss was not disturbed after the failed start, but showed mental strength. In the term, it was 18. But like in the sprint far behind the tip.