The German biathlon coach Johannes Lukas, currently responsible for the Swedish team, has fueled the discussion about narrowing down the World Cup starting places. The reason: The competition from Norway is simply too strong.
The start of the individual competitions at this year’s Biathlon World Championships was all about the Norwegians.
Gold, silver and bronze went to Sturla Holm Laegreid, Johannes Thingnes Bö and Vetle Sjastad Christiansen in the sprint. In the pursuit, the dominance of the Scandinavians was then taken to the extreme: Bö (gold), Laegreid (silver) and Christiansen (bronze) once again secured the coveted podium places, and the Norwegians even took the places in Johannes Dale-Skjevdal and Tarjei Bö four and five. Endre Strömsheim ended up eighth – a horror scenario from the competition’s point of view.
There is now criticism, especially from the Swedish camp. “That’s not good for the sport, we all agree on that,” said biathlon head coach Johannes Lukas to “Expressen”.
Lukas advocates for a maximum of five starting places – Samuelsson isn’t worried
The German biathlon instructor even openly advocates limiting the starting places in the future. Actually, each nation is only allowed to send four athletes into the race, but the Norwegians had two exceptions. In Johannes Thingnes Bö, the reigning world champion was already eligible to start and since the Norwegians have five biathletes in the top 15 of the overall World Cup, a sixth ski hunter was allowed to compete.
“A base rate of four and maybe a fifth for the world champion would be better,” said Lukas. Six starting places for the Norwegians would only increase their dominance, so the argument goes: “They are the best national team and have the best breadth in the squad.” But the decision rests with the IBU, Lukas added: “I don’t set the rules.”
Sweden star Sebastian Samuelsson, who beat the Norwegians in the mass start at the World Championships in Oberhof last year, praised his competitors: “They are doing a good job. I would like to beat them, I’m not worried about the sport. “