Bad news for Anna Weidel: The season is over for the biathlete. The reason is ongoing health problems, as the 27-year-old announced via Instagram.
The World Cup starts in Ruhpolding on Wednesday. One person won’t be there for the mass spectacle: Anna Weidel has to end the season early for health reasons. The 27-year-old said on Instagram that the decision was not easy for her, “But unfortunately the body isn’t cooperating at the moment. Now it’s time to get healthy first”.
According to team doctor Katharina Blume, medical examinations were unremarkable. “Unfortunately, Anna was never able to fully recover from her health, so unrestricted continuous training was not possible.”said Flower. The aim now is for Weidel to recover fully in order to build the basis for the coming season at an early stage.
Weidel only started once this season
The 27-year-old from WSV Kiefersfelden had already become ill before the new winter and was therefore expected to start competing later. Weidel celebrated her World Cup debut in 2018/19, this season she only appeared in Hochfilzen in December. Her best World Cup result was fifth place in the sprint in Kontiolahti, Finland in December 2022.
65,000 spectators expected in Ruhpolding
While Weidel will probably watch the home race in Ruhpolding on TV, Franziska Preuß is right in the middle and the great German hope. The Bavarian lives just a few kilometers from the Chiemgau Arena and gained new strength at home. The 29-year-old is eager for redemption in front of thousands of expectant fans in her adopted hometown right at the start of the season on Wednesday.
“We are already one of the nations that can run to the front. Everyone has to have a good day.”said Preuss. She kicks with one “good feeling” by your “right” Home World Cup.
Up to 65,000 spectators are expected over the five days of competition. “The fans give us a huge boost, that’s why we attack again”, announced sports director Felix Bitterling. The team travels after Benedikt Doll’s victory and the podium places for Preuß and the men’s relay team “with a tailwind to Ruhpolding”.