Just three days after the disappointing performance in Oberhof, the German women’s biathlon relay team found their way back to success at the home World Cup in Ruhpolding.
The quartet with Franziska Preuß, Janina-Hettich-Walz, Sophia Schneider and Hanna Kebinger came third in the 4 x 6 kilometers on Wednesday (January 10, 2024). The German team was particularly impressive at the shooting range and only used three reloads in total. The gap to the victorious French women with Lou Jeanmonnot, Jeanne Richard, Sophie Chauveau, Julia Simon (4 errors) was 46.7 seconds in the end. Second place went to Sweden (3/+8.7 seconds).
Nevertheless, the DSV women can be more than satisfied with their start in Ruhpolding – especially after the disappointing fifth place last Sunday in Oberhof. This time the running times were correct again and significantly fewer targets remained at the shooting range. It was the second podium this season.
“Nervous” Hettich roller only wobbles slightly
With fantastic external conditions and a fantastic backdrop in the Chiemgau Arena, Hettich-Walz was supposed to lay the foundation as the starting runner. And the 27-year-old proved once again that she is an excellent prone shooter. She was the first to go back on track with five quick hits. As in Oberhof, Hettich-Walz didn’t have the fastest legs. Two reloaders were also added while standing at the shooting range. The gap to the leading duo Sweden and France was still limited at 18 seconds at the first change.
“I was already very nervous. We all wanted to do better than in Oberhof“, explained Hettich-Walz afterwards on ZDF. Not least because of her two shooting errors, “so moderately satisfied” with their performance. The favored Norwegians, on the other hand, had a much harder time of it, as they had already put themselves a huge behind due to two penalties from Skogan.
Tailor without fault
Schneider also started promisingly and knocked down all the targets while lying down. However, the top nations also shot cleanly, meaning the 26-year-old was initially unable to make up any time. Because Schneider was also in good running form, the podium was already within reach at the second shooting. In contrast to Oberhof, where there was another penalty lap, this time they held their nerve: With another series of mistakes, Schneider further reduced the gap and also showed an excellent final lap on the cross-country ski trail. She finished third at the same time as Ukraine, just 9.5 seconds behind the leading Italians.
“Today I did really well“, said Schneider with shining eyes about her successful home race. Especially after the performance in Oberhof it was “important for self-confidence. I just tried to have fun and not let anything affect me.”
Prussia brings Germany to the top
Preuß – also thanks to the good material – quickly moved into the lead and, together with Sweden and France, even opened a small gap to the pursuers until the first shooting. The trio delivered perfect prone shooting in unison and slightly increased their lead. It remained a three-way battle – both on the cross-country ski trail and at the shooting range. Preuß impressed with another perfect series, maintained the wafer-thin lead until the last change and finally put Oberhof’s messed up performance to rest with two extra laps. The Norwegians, on the other hand, continued to act far too incorrectly and, being a whopping three minutes behind, had no chance of a good placing.
Kebinger secures the podium
Final runner Kebinger, who had joined the team for the ailing Vanessa Voigt, had a mammoth task ahead of her. With Elvira Öberg and Julia Simon, she competed with two of the strongest athletes in the World Cup, but was able to keep up until the first shooting. And it got even better: While Öberg had to reload twice, Kebinger got all five shots on target and stayed with Simon. The Frenchwoman extended her lead again on the course – Öberg also passed Kebinger, who had to let up a little before the final shooting given the pace.
There Simon made a great effort and secured victory with another five direct hits. Öberg also made no mistakes and took second place. But Kebinger could also be satisfied again. With just one spare, she secured the podium for Germany without any problems.