It was a mixture of joy and nervousness: When double junior world champion Julia Kink found out about her World Cup luck, her emotional state was conflicted.
“On the one hand I’m full of anticipation, but on the other hand I have to admit that I’m a bit nervous”said Kink: “That could most likely be me before the first race.” The big World Cup stage – side by side with the top stars Julia Simon, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold and Elvira Öberg – is something different than a Junior World Cup. The 20-year-old Kink recently shone there with two gold medals in the mass start and the women’s relay.
The reward came a few days after returning home. The German Ski Association honored the biathlon talent’s performance by nominating him for the race in the US Solider Hollow (March 8th to 10th). Kink replaces Franziska Preuß, who is not yet fit.
Kink: World Cup overseas a dream
Kink’s season has been a roller coaster ride so far. Before the Junior World Championships she struggled at the shooting range, had a very poor hit rate and a queasy feeling. But the 20-year-old was there just in time for the highlight of the season. In the sprint she missed out on a medal in fifth place because she simply shot too slowly. With anger in his stomach, Kink ran to gold in the mass start and the German junior relay team was also unbeatable and the crowning achievement.
Biathlete Julia Kink at the shooting range
Now the next highlight awaits. “I’m really looking forward to getting a taste of the World Cup, and going to the USA and Canada is of course a dream.”
Riethmüller celebrates its North American premiere
A dream also comes true for Danilo Riethmüller. The 24-year-old gets another World Cup chance. At the beginning of the year he made his World Cup debut and promptly finished seventh in the shortened individual in Antholz and thus into the points.
The Blankenburger is now available in Canada and the USA, of all places. the next World Cup opportunity. “I’m breaking new ground in my career so far: I’ve never been to North America and I don’t know the routes and shooting ranges.” Riethmüller admitted that he was a bit excited because he didn’t know what to expect, but, like Kink, he can only win. “Both deserved these starts thanks to their good performances over the course of the season.”said DSV sports director Felix Bitterling.
The height as the greatest Challenge
After the mixed results at Holmenkollen, the German team wants to celebrate a successful end to the season with the overseas double pack. “The two North American World Cups are certainly something special, not only because of the long journey and the time difference that you have to deal with as an athlete.”said Bitterling: “In addition, it is important to cope with the altitude in Soldier Hollow, a stadium that is located at around 1,800 meters above sea level.”
Time schedule
Friday, 8:25 p.m.: Men, 4 x 7.5 km relay
Friday, 11 p.m.: Women, sprint 7.5 km
Saturday, 8:25 p.m.: Women, 4 x 6 km relay
Saturday, 11:00 p.m.: Men, 10 km sprint
Sunday, 5:00 p.m.: Women, Pursuit 10 km
Sunday, 6:50 p.m.: Men, pursuit 12.5 km
| Women | Men | |
|---|---|---|
Selina Grotian (SC Mittenwald) | Benedikt Doll (SZ Breitnau) | |
Janina Hettich-Walz (SC Schönwald) | Philipp Horn (SV Eintracht Frankenhain) | |
Julia Kink (WSV Aschau) | Johannes Kühn (WSV Reit im Winkl) | |
Sophia Schneider (SV Oberteisendorf eV) | Philipp Nawrath (SK Nesselwang) | |
Johanna Puff (SC Bayrischzell) | Roman Rees (SV Schauinsland) | |
Vanessa Voigt (SV Rotterode) | Danilo Riethmüller (WSV Clausthal-Zellerfeld) | |
Justus Strelow (SG Stahl Schmiedeberg) |