Biathlon Icon Raves About the German 'Dream Team'

Successful Start for the German Duo

The DSV duo made a strong impression at the start of the biathlon season, although they missed an even better result in the final sprint.

Vanessa Voigt and Justus Strelow provided the German biathlon team with a successful start to the World Cup winter. The duo finished third in the Single-Mixed Relay in Kontiolahti, Finland, after four reloads, falling 10.2 seconds short of the victorious Swedes. Voigt and Strelow once again demonstrated their strength in team competition, having won in this format in Antholz last season.

"I'll gladly take the podium; it feels good," Voigt told ZDF's microphone. Meanwhile, her teammate Strelow lamented the near-miss of second place in the final sprint. "I tried to give my all, but my legs just wouldn’t cooperate anymore. I’m frustrated, but I’ll be up front in the next sprint finish," said the 27-year-old.

Herrmann-Wick: "Vanessa and Justus are the Dream Team"

"Vanessa and Justus are the Dream Team. The Dream Team has been established again," said Olympic champion Denise Herrmann-Wick, who is now a ZDF expert. "A podium is always an incredible achievement in the Single-Mixed. Everything must align. Of course, Vanessa had a bit of a shaky start. But with fast and good shooting, much can be compensated."

The DSV duo exhibited strong running performances. While Voigt, who had dealt with mental issues in preparation, faced some challenges at the shooting range with three misses at the start of the race, Strelow impressed with only one reload.

Photo Finish Decides Against Strelow

Thus, even more was possible until the end. However, in the end, France (0 penalty rounds + 9 reloads), which had long battled Sweden (0 + 4) for the win, triumphed in the photo finish.

Action continues in Kontiolahti at 15:45 with the Mixed Relay, featuring Franziska Preuß, Johanna Puff, Danilo Riethmüller, and Philipp Horn for the DSV team. On Sunday (13:45), the men’s relay is scheduled first, followed by the women's team race at 17:25, marking the end of the first weekend of the young biathlon season.