The German biathlon stars are already looking forward to a very special competition that has long been a tradition. Because: On December 28, 2022, the World Team Challenge will take place in the football stadium of FC Schalke 04. The exceptional athletes Denise Herrmann and Benedikt Doll are starting together – and are now looking ahead with anticipation.
After 2018 and 2019, Denise Herrmann and Benedikt Doll will be entering the arena at Schalke together again this year. “The Word Team Challenge at Schalke is always an absolute highlight,” the Olympic champion is quoted as saying in a press release from the Bundesliga soccer club: “I always enjoy running at events like this. That’s why I’m really looking forward to being able to start again.”
The competition at Schalke is “simply something special – in the football stadium in front of a completely different backdrop”. Experience has shown that, according to Herrmann, “the mood is shaking”.
Biathlon star Benedikt Doll “highly motivated”
For the 33-year-old, the competition at Schalke between the years should also be an important location determination for the rest of the World Cup season. That’s why Herrmann takes the mixed race at Schalke seriously. The WTC is also a challenge with the “many short laps and numerous shooting bouts. A competition, together in a team with men, is always a special motivation anyway”.
Her comrade-in-arms Benedikt Doll was also pleased to be able to fight for a podium place in Gelsenkirchen in 2022: “I can be at the WTC again this year and start together with Denise. I’m very happy about that, we are both highly motivated. The WTC is always an atmospheric event.”
The event will take place again in December for the first time after a forced two-year break. The first edition of the biathlon race at Schalke took place around 20 years ago. Tickets purchased for the 2020 or 2021 event remain valid, the organizer announced.