Despite missing out on a medal, the German biathlon team draws courage from the start of the World Cup in the mixed relay thanks to the performances of Justus Strelow and Philipp Nawrath.
“Justus implemented the plan one-to-one,” praised sports director Felix Bitterling: “Philip also did a great job, he was very strong as a runner. He also finished the shooting session well, despite one or two wobbles.” The team will “continue to fight and step on the gas again.”
Strelow emphasized that he will go into the next races “with self-confidence”: “I am very satisfied with my race. Everything worked out the way I imagined.”
After two error-free quick-fire performances, the 27-year-old handed over second place. Despite the soft conditions, the material was “outstanding,” Strelow said: “I made good positions on the descent. A huge thank you to the technicians.”
Nawrath even took the lead for a while and ran a faster final lap than Johannes Thingnes Bö. “I’m quite satisfied with my performance. It would have been even better standing, then I could have given Franzi even more air,” said Nawrath. In general, the deep terrain “doesn’t suit him that much. Lighter athletes might find it easier.” Nevertheless, there is absolutely “something possible” in the sprint on Saturday (5:05 p.m./ARD and Eurosport).