Apparently there is an infection going around in the German team. Franziska Preuß, the next biathlete, is now missing due to illness.
Hopeful Franziska Preuß has to miss the biathletes’ World Cup dress rehearsal in Antholz due to a gastrointestinal illness. This was announced by team doctor Dr. Sebastian Torka on Sunday a few hours before the start of the final mass start.
Gastrointestinal complaints have recently increased in the German women’s team. Janina Hettich-Walz also has to pass for the mass start, and Selina Grotian even canceled the entire World Cup in South Tyrol. Sophia Schneider benefits from the absences and moves up. This means that only Vanessa Voigt and Sophia Schneider will be at the start for the German Ski Association (DSV) in the 12.5 kilometer race (from 2.45 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online).
Several people affected
Sports director Felix Bitterling was already worried about the health of his athletes on Friday. “Some people were affected in the hotel, including from other nations that had it, and some from our staff,” he confirmed to the German Press Agency. “But with them it was usually the case that it was okay again a day later.”
The World Championships in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic, start on February 7th, before which the German ski hunters have to complete a final preparatory course in Ridnaun. Preuß, who is often set back by injuries and illnesses, had already missed the World Cup in Hochfilzen this season due to a corona infection.