Third relay race, third podium for the German biathletes this season. At the home World Cup in Oberhof, the DSV quartet only had to admit defeat to Norway.
Benedikt Doll, Roman Rees, Philipp Nawrath and Philipp Horn had 15 spare rounds and one penalty on Sunday (January 7th, 2024), but ultimately achieved second place, 2:01.9 minutes behind the once again victorious Norwegians Goal.
The Scandinavian quartet with Endre Strömsheim, Sturla Holm Laegreid and the brothers Johannes Thingnes and Tarjei Bö (7 spares) had already won the races in Östersund and Hochfilzen. Italy came third (16/+2:50.5).
DSV podium series continues
The German biathletes showed once again that they are among the best in the world this winter, especially in the relay. Maybe even more would have been possible, but Nawrath had to go into the penalty loop as the third runner.
Overall, after two third places at the start, the DSV athletes once again delivered a solid race and can have legitimate hopes for a relay medal at the World Championships in Nove Mesto in February.
Rees avoids penalty
Oberhof once again presented itself from its typical side this Sunday. Fog, wind and sleet made conditions difficult on the already strained track and at the shooting range. Starting runner Rees was initially undeterred and got through the prone position without a spare.
He then lost touch a bit on the cross-country ski trail. And the 30-year-old also wobbled dangerously at the shooting range. With three spare rounds he was just able to avoid the penalty loop, but by the first change he was 43 seconds behind the leader.
“I wanted to take my time shooting in the difficult conditions” Rees said afterwards: “With the wind it became really difficult. I got nervous and lost time. The main thing is that I got the reloaders in.”
Doll again having problems shooting
Like the day before, Doll had problems in the prone position and needed two spares. But since France and Norway were also not sure of their goals at the top, he was able to reduce the gap and take third place. While Laegreid put Norway at the top with a flawless standing stage, Doll didn’t make any mistakes in the second stage either. With another two spares he still maintained third place.
But he was by no means satisfied. “I had good conditions. That’s why I’m annoyed that I couldn’t clear it completely. “Sometimes you just drive yourself more crazy than you have to,” Doll said angrily: “I just had to do my thing.”
Gust too late in the change – penalty for Nawrath
That’s what the Norwegians did that day – even if there was a strange mishap: When Laegreid wanted to hand over to Tarjei Bö, he simply wasn’t there on time. The Scandinavians lost seconds, which Nawrath, as the third German runner, was initially able to take advantage of: with a strong first lap and faultless shooting, he suddenly brought his colors level with Norway, as Bö showed nerves at the shooting range.
But the joy only lasted for a short time: Bö scored five direct hits while standing, Nawrath shot far too imprecisely – penalty loop. However, the lead on third place remained constant at 45 seconds. The French, who were also favorites, were passed through with three penalties. “Oberhof is never easy. Especially today with the wind conditions“, Nawrath complained afterwards: “I would have liked to avoid the penalty loop. I actually felt safe standing.“
Horn secures second place
Supported by 20,500 fans, final runner Horn started the race. There was no getting past Johannes Thingnes Bö at the top, but Horn maintained his lead in third place with just one spare shot in the prone position. While Bö at the front ran lonely to victory with the next error-free series, Horn had to tremble again. With the third spare he avoided the penalty loop and ultimately confidently secured second place ahead of Italy.