Biathletes ahead of relay: pressure "actually always" there
The brilliant start with two podium places in the first individual race of the winter should not let the German biathletes become complacent. "We actually always have pressure. We always want to give our best," said head coach Kristian Mehringer.
On Wednesday (3.20 pm/ZDF and Eurosport), the first race of the season for the women's relay team is scheduled in Östersund, Sweden, over 4 x 6 kilometers - with a good chance of the next podium place against strong competition from France, Norway and Sweden.
Preuß narrowly misses out on victory
"They proved that they can do it," said Mehringer, looking back on the tough individual race. Franziska Preuß in second and Vanessa Voigt in third made it onto the podium together over 15 kilometers. Former relay world champion Preuß was only 0.1 seconds off victory. "They did a great job, especially at the shooting range," Mehringer praised on ARD. After the retirement of Olympic champion Denise Herrmann-Wick in the spring, hardly anyone had expected the winter to start so well.
"The girls are now happy and positive. Now, of course, we're looking ahead to the next races," said 42-year-old Mehringer, but did not put any pressure on his team. On Monday evening, the team celebrated their first successes in a relaxed manner with a burger evening. "We want to deliver what we've been training for all year. Then we'll see what comes out," said Mehringer. The men's relay will follow in Sweden on Thursday, with sprints and pursuit races still to come until Sunday.
The men also have a chance of further success. After his individual victory in the sprint on Saturday, Roman Rees will even take to the track in the yellow jersey of the overall World Cup leader. Preuß has the chance to snatch the jersey from the Italian Lisa Vittozzi. "I hope it continues like this," said Preuß after her successful World Cup return. The 29-year-old Bavarian had to end last season prematurely after numerous health problems.
In the upcoming World Cup event in Östersund, Sweden, the German women's relay team, having shown strong form with two podium finishes, aims to secure another podium placement over 4 x 6 kilometers. This contest promises to be intense, as they face significant competition from France, Norway, and Sweden.
With the World Cup relays approaching, the German biathlon team, motivated by their recent successes, intends to maintain their stellar performances in the World Cup, hoping to add more wins to their tally while upholding the high standards set in winter sports.
Source: www.dpa.com
