After their forced breaks due to illness, Roman Rees, Sophia Schneider and Hanna Kebinger are back in the German Ski Association (DSV) squad for the Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof.
Compared to the races in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, shortly before Christmas, David Zobel and Johanna Puff were not taken into account. The DSV announced this on New Year’s Day. The competition program in Oberhof starts on Thursday (January 4th, 2023) with the men’s sprint race over ten kilometers. The women start on Friday.
“In bed all week” – Schneider before comeback
“After I had to leave Lenzerheide without a race, I had hoped that I would be able to start training straight away and build up my form over Christmas. Unfortunately, I ended up completely in bed for a whole week.”, explained Schneider. The 26-year-old from Traunstein, who started the season with two top-5 placements, is still confident about the World Cup in Oberhof.
“I have many, many positive memories of Oberhof. How people stood in rows of five last year and cheered us on – I still think about that often and fondly.”said Schneider and added: “I’m just really happy that it’s starting again.”
Doll works in the weight room for top results
Benedikt Doll is also not necessarily satisfied with how the season has gone so far. “My personal results for the first few weeks of the World Cup are mixed. Of course things are getting better and better. But with the World Cup victory I also did a very good race, and in the end I was regularly in the top ten and top 15.”
The veteran spent the Christmas break primarily in the weight room to work on the deficits that prevented Doll from being on the podium more often. He now wants to prove himself in Oberhof and is aiming for a top result – too “If the route’s profile isn’t necessarily one of my absolute favorite routes”said Doll. “Nevertheless, I’m happy to be coming back to Oberhof. I actually always enjoy being up there.”