Desperate biathlon king loses dominance after ban
The German biathlon dream start is putting pressure on the international competition. After Rees and Nawrath, the national coach believes that a third DSV skier can secure the yellow jersey. Dominator Bö, meanwhile, is struggling with a rule change for this season.
Biathlon king Johannes Thingnes Bö has a big problem with the ban on fluoride in winter sports. "It's a big difference with the fluorine-free skis compared to before," said the Norwegian: "You used to be able to fly on skis without needing strength in your upper body. That no longer works." This has consequences, even for the five-time Olympic champion. "Now I'm simply too weak, I need more muscles," said Bö, who admitted to being "a bit behind" his form from last year.
On Saturday in the sprint in Östersund, he only finished 18th and "only" had the fourth best time. He had finished second in the mixed relay at the start, but made it onto the podium as third in the individual and winning the relay. Nevertheless, the situation feels "insanely stupid", said Bö: "It's a challenge and I have to try to find my old strength again."
Things are going much better for the German team. According to national coach Uros Velepec, the outstanding start to the season is slowly making the competition think twice. "The Norwegians are a bit nervous," said the Slovenian in Östersund, Sweden. The Scandinavians around perennial winner Bö, who have been so dominant in the past, are still without a single victory, while Roman Rees and Philipp Nawrath have already achieved two successes in two races for the German Ski Association. "It's not as if nobody can play along. Now we're giving them a bit of a worry. That's also good for us," said Velepec, who took over from Mark Kirchner in the spring.
"We are now number one, two and three in the World Cup"
Before the pursuit race at the end of the World Cup in central Sweden this Sunday (4pm/ZDF and Eurosport), three Germans are leading the overall standings. After his sprint triumph on Saturday, Philipp Nawrath (102 points) leads ahead of Justus Strelow (101) and Roman Rees (90). "We're now number one, two and three in the World Cup, it's a historic moment," said Velepec, but added: "We don't think we'll stay there for long, but we'll enjoy the moment. It's a dream day for us."
In Rees and Nawrath, two Germans have already earned the yellow jersey in the men's race at the start of the World Championship winter. However, Rees lost the jersey immediately after his premiere with 56th place in the sprint. Nawrath, on the other hand, can hardly believe his luck: "It's amazing that it worked out with the yellow jersey. I can't wait to see how it suits me." Velepec believes that at least one other member of his team will soon be able to take the lead. "Justus (Strelow, editor's note) is certainly a hot favorite to take the jersey. He is a strong shooter and in great form," said the national coach with a view to the hunt race.
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Despite the rule change affecting fluoride in winter sports, impacting Norwegian biathlon star Johannes Thingnes Bö, the German team is thriving. With Roman Rees and Philipp Nawrath securing two victories, their outstanding performance is causing anxiety among traditional dominants like Norway. As a result, three Germans are leading the overall standings in the World Cup, with Nawrath currently holding the top spot.
Source: www.ntv.de
