“Let’s Make History” is the slogan of the biathlon World Cup in Lenzerheide. Big words at the opening ceremony, to which the German athletes want to take action – preferably at the start of the mixed season (from 2:30 p.m.).
When Olle Dahlin, President of the International Biathlon Union, opened the World Championships in Lenzerheide in Switzerland at 7:49 p.m. on Tuesday evening, the German delegation is already on its way back to the hotel. And without having entered the stage.
The opening ceremony on the central square of the almost 3000 inhabitant village is remarkable in many ways. It is calmer than in previous years in the Czech Nove Mesto or in Oberhof. The few hundred present are reserved – it is neither roared nor screamed, nor is it really celebrated. But above all, this evening is also remarkable because an essential program item is missing.
No presentation of the teams at the Opening ceremony
Usually the teams of the participating nations-34-present themselves to the fans this year. They are briefly introduced, cheered and then adopted with the best wishes in the direction of competitions. A short appearance with a lot of radiance for the spectators, but also for the athletes – a highlight before you really start.
But not in Lenzerheide. Although the delegations and therefore a number of athletes come – they are only presented. So the teams clear the field prematurely – the “celebration” continues without them. For Franziska Preuss, Selina Grotian, Philipp Nawrath and Justus Strelow, none of this makes no difference – they did not even leave the German team’s accommodation. Instead, they rest for their first big appearance at this World Cup.
Good conditions despite warm temperatures
In the stadium they were all four, on time, on time at 2:00 p.m. for the official training of the mixed seasons. There was already an idea of who would start for Germany. The complex was in the bright sunshine, in good condition. It is warm in Graubünden these days, even at 1400 meters higher – plus seven degrees.
There is enough snow, but the route is soft and slow, good for lightweights and strong runners among the athletes.
The day before the first race, the trucks roll through the area again, loaded with new drivers of the white pad. The Swiss are extremely effort. There are volunteers, athletes, journalists and spectators on every corner, hardly any fork is unknown. She all combines a friendly smile. And even if one or the other is hardly to be understood in the deepest Swiss German, the searcher finds his way.
A steel scaffolding surrounds the arena
It all seems very easy to, almost family-like like the Germany Cup with a relaxed atmosphere. It can only be guessed at what can be expected here in the next few days, with a wailing view over the huge steel scaffolding of grandstands. In front of them, a sea of blue fences and fence meanders. They are neatly separate the start-from the target area, the athlete areas from the mixed zone of journalists.
Yawning emptiness, apart from Selina Grotian, who runs comfortably along the interview corridor, because at least two microphones are waiting for you, from ARD and ZDF: “It is quite tingling,” says the 20-year-old, “The excitement is there and I I’m curious to see what the two weeks bring with them. ”
Season colleague Philipp Nawrath also finds its way to the microphone, physically fit, after surviving infection: “Overall, the importance of the mixed relay is very high. All nations compete in top line -up, including us. I see ourselves in the expanded favorite group for the podium and want to fully attack. ”
“If everything runs optimally, a medal is possible”
The two sports show experts and ex-biathletes Arnd Peiffer and Erik Lesser are carefully optimistic: “Our girls are the best positioning in the starter field. France is equally strong. Philipp Nawrath is so second, third man and Justus falls off. I expect fourth or five, but if everyone gets an optimal day, it can be enough for the medal, but I would not expect it, ”analyzes Peiffer.
Erik Lesser is particularly surprised at the order: “In the fourth position, the best of every team will run. Of course, Justus is able to shoot a quick, safe 0 and on the two kilometers of layers it will be difficult to make the very big difference. But if there is a fight in the final round, I see Samuelsson, Jacquelin and Bö at Justus deficits. ”
With pathos on the pedestal
“Let’s Make History” is the slogan of this biathlon World Cup in Lenzerheide. Among other things, it is projected onto the village church in the center of the place – colorful and readable for everyone. The large square in the middle of the town, where the biathlon races are transferred every day and which is to be used together for public viewing, was renamed without further ado.
It will be called “Wow Plaza” for the next two weeks – the abbreviation stands for “World of Wonder”. So translated “world of miracles”. Quite a lot of pathos before the start of these biathlon world games in Switzerland-now it is at the athletes to breathe life into these empty word sleeves.