The German biathletes also landed on the podium with the relay in the second race of the season.
Despite nine spare rounds and one penalty, David Zobel, Johannes Kühn, Philipp Nawrath and Benedikt Doll took third place at the start in Hochfilzen, Austria, as they did in Östersund, Sweden. After 4 x 7.5 kilometers, the German quartet was 1:07 minutes behind the winning favorites from Norway. France came second.
Weakened due to illness
The German team, which had competed in Sweden with a weakened substitute due to illness, started with the same personnel, but in a different order. This time Kühn did not start as the last runner, but in second position. Nawrath and Doll moved to the rear.
Starting runner Zobel got the athletes of the German Ski Association into trouble. Despite three spare rounds, the 27-year-old was unable to avoid the penalty loop. “I paid the price. I was shaking all over and did the team a disservice, I’m sorry,” said Zobel, who finished in 13th place, on ARD.
In the end, the Bavarian was still able to celebrate. Because Kühn, who missed two shots, and Nawrath (1 spare) ensured a comeback. Doll safely brought home third place despite two spare rounds. In the final shooting he held his nerve against Lukas Hofer from Italy.
