Home World Cup – German biathletes “with momentum” to Ruhpolding

After the home race is before the home race: The German biathletes moved on from Oberhof to Ruhpolding. At least almost all of them. Two get a break.

When the World Cup weekend opens in the Chiemgau Arena on Wednesday (January 15, 2025, 2:10 p.m. in the Sportschau live stream) with the men’s singles, Philipp Horn will be missing. “Philipp is taking a break to work on shooting again at home with his trainer”Biathlon Sports Director Felix Bitterling explained the non-nomination.

Horn – chance in the mass start?

The 30-year-old Thuringian had shot himself offside on his home track in Oberhof last weekend with 44th place in the sprint, 45th place in the pursuit – and a total of ten shooting errors. “It’s a shame is an understatement. I’m really disappointed”said Horn after the forgettable performance.

The fact that he might still get a start in Ruhpolding through the back door is due to his good performances before the Christmas break. As he is currently 22nd in the overall World Cup ranking, he would be qualified for the mass start. Should he remain in the top 25 – despite not starting – he would travel from Oberhof and be there on Sunday. “Otherwise it will happen in Antholz“, said Bitterling. While Horn has to bite the bullet of the break, Roman Rees and David Zobel are moving up from the second to the first biathlon league.

Scherer rotates into the team for Kink

There is also a change for the women: Julia Kink gets a break, but Stefanie Scherer gets to enjoy the home game. There is still a big question mark behind Vanessa Voigt’s commitment. Bitterling: “The decision is made at short notice – either for the individual or at the latest for the mass start.” If Voigt, who is not yet 100 percent fit after an illness, is unable to compete, Marlene Fichtner will take her place.

In Oberhof, the DSV ski hunters were particularly disappointed in the individual decisions and remained without a podium. But the final day raised hopes. Selina Grotian and Justus Strelow made it to the podium in the single mixed. “Our goal is to continue the positive trend from Oberhof, with full aggressiveness and fighting spirit”Bitterling demanded in advance.

Preuß: Back on the winning track in the living room?

It will be a special race for Franziska Preuß. Not just because she arrives in the yellow jersey of the World Cup leader. Preuß lives just a few minutes away from the Chiemgau Arena and wants to shine in her home. “Just switch off at home for a day or two before we continue with the singles on Thursday. We have a cool week ahead of us. There should be lots of hours of sunshine.”said the 30-year-old with a sparkle in her eyes.

Even Oberhof’s frustration was quickly forgotten in her “living room” before the World Cup. She hopes, says Preuss, “That you can quickly get it out of your head and start in Ruhpolding with fresh enthusiasm”.

posse

Women

Men

schedule