After the surprisingly positive season, the German biathletes are traveling to the World Championships with high hopes.
The highlight of the winter begins on Wednesday (5.20 p.m./ARD and Eurosport) with the mixed relay race in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. The German Press Agency answers the most important questions before the start.
What makes Nove Mesto so special?
The atmosphere. In front of a total of more than 200,000 spectators, the first World Cup in Nove Mesto eleven years ago was an emotional experience. In the Vysocina Arena with the steep stands behind the shooting range it can be deafeningly loud, making shooting a special test, also for your nerves. In addition, the majority of races take place in the dark in the early evening – the biathletes almost never compete under floodlights. The races take place from Wednesday to February 18th in western Moravia.
What memories do Germans have of Nove Mesto?
Not the best. At the 2013 World Cup, the DSV ski hunters did not win a gold medal for the first time since 1986 in Oslo. Only Andrea Henkel, then 35, won silver in the individual, while the men’s relay team won bronze. It was the first World Cup after Magdalena Neuner’s resignation. However: The last World Cup relay victory for the German men to date took place in Nove Mesto in March 2021.
Who will win the most medals?
For men it could be a Norwegian festival. The team led by five-time Oberhof world champion Johannes Thingnes Bö has achieved six triple successes and many more podium places so far this winter. There are six Norwegians in the lead in the overall World Cup. In addition, after a rule change before the preseason, the Scandinavians have up to six starting places per individual race, and they also won all relay competitions of the current season. It’s more balanced for the women: the overall World Cup leader Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold from Norway, the Italian Lisa Vittozzi and the two French women Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Julia Simon are the top favorites.
What are the German chances?
The two-time sprint season winner Benedikt Doll had massive problems on the shooting range at the World Cup dress rehearsal in Antholz. He had a bit of a cold during preparation, but if he finds his old strength, he is just as likely to be a medal contender as Philipp Nawrath. He had already worn the yellow jersey of the World Cup leader at the start. Ideally, Johannes Kühn could also get involved. In the relay, the men were on the podium in all World Cup races, and a medal is just as possible as for the women. Franziska Preuß and Vanessa Voigt have a chance of winning individual metal there. The first World Cup victory in the single mixed by Voigt and Justus Strelow also gives confidence. However, things haven’t gone well in the mixed relay this season so far.
How is the weather situation?
Challenging. The temperatures are currently significantly above zero, it rains every now and then and it is stormy. “We are constantly monitoring the weather forecast and hope for improvement in the second week of the World Cup,” said competition director Vlastimil Jakes to dpa. On Monday, training had to be canceled due to a storm and the facility was closed. However, the competitions are not in danger; enough artificial snow has been prepared in advance. “We still have 50,000 cubic meters of snow in the depot. We are not worried about a lack of snow, but in inclement weather such as temperatures above zero and rain, the quality of the snow will not be as good as in sub-zero temperatures,” Jakes said.
Where can you watch the World Cup?
At the World Cup, twelve world titles are at stake over nine days of competition. ARD, ZDF and Eurosport broadcast all competitions live on TV and in a free stream. As always, ARD and ZDF share the broadcast. ARD begins, ZDF then takes over the second part of the World Cup.
Who dominated last year?
Oberhof became Böberhof. The Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Bö was the first male biathlete to win seven medals at a World Championships: five titles, one silver and one bronze. Among the women, the Swede Hanna Öberg (2x gold, 1x silver, 1x bronze) was the most successful. The best nation was Norway (5x gold, 5x silver, 3x bronze). Germany (1x gold, 2x silver) took fourth place in the medal table. Denise Herrmann-Wick, who has since retired, won the only title in the sprint.
Who are the record holders at world championships?
Ole Einar Björndalen has won the most World Cup medals so far. The Norwegian won 20 gold, 14 silver and eleven bronze medals. His compatriot Johannes Thingnes Bö (30) is hot on his heels; he has won 17 titles so far. The best ski hunter is the Norwegian Marte Olsbu Röiseland with 13 gold and four bronze medals. The most successful German ski hunters are Frank Luck (11x gold, 5x silver, 4x bronze) and Uschi Disl (8x gold, 8x silver, 3x bronze).
