A new trend in biathlon is causing discussions, expert Michael Rösch warns of possible dangers.
Quite a few biathlon stars already rely on so-called heat training. The body temperature is increased in a targeted and controlled manner so that it remains within a window of between 38.5 and 39 degrees Celsius.
This can be achieved by training with warm clothing. The simulated fever increases the amount of hemoglobin, which in turn promotes oxygen transport capacity.
Biathlon expert Michael Rösch is critical of the training trend.
“There are two goals in heat training. Goal A is to keep the hemoglobin mass in the body longer after altitude training because the effect of the training is gone four or five weeks after altitude training,” he said in an interview with “Sport1”: “Goal B may be that heat training is a cheap variant of altitude training. You can do this heat training anywhere.”
Rösch noted in this context: “The method is a little controversial because you have to be very careful.”
You shouldn’t start heat training “blindly”. “It’s advisable if a scientist or doctor is there,” emphasized the 42-year-old and went on to warn: “It’s borderline. If you overdo it, it can have the completely wrong effect. I think it’s risky if you try it out on your own.”
German biathlon stars are not (yet) relying on heat training
The DSV does not yet use this method. “We always said: No experiments a year before the Olympics. So if you try something, you should start three to a maximum of two years beforehand,” says Rösch.
The German team doctor tried to establish heat training in Germany a few years ago. Rösch cannot understand why this was rejected by those responsible at DSV at the time. “Why don’t we do this in Germany as excessively as other nations?” said the TV expert.
Women’s national coach Kristian Mehringer emphasized: “Trying something like that before the Olympics is dangerous and can backfire. We’re keeping an eye on it. It’s possible that things could go in that direction for us in the next few years.”