Biathlon on ZDF: New Commentator Duo Debuts

New Biathlon Duo at ZDF

This Saturday, the biathletes kick off their new season. Fans can follow the exciting start of this popular winter sport live on ZDF. The public broadcaster is making significant changes as it moves into the upcoming winter sports year.

The wait is finally over! This Saturday, the biathletes begin their new season. As the sports stars start anew, viewers will also have to get used to new voices and faces.

At the season opener in Kontiolahti, Finland, ZDF will feature a new commentary duo. Volker Grube and Sven Fischer will guide biathlon fans through the programming following the retirement of long-time commentator Christoph Hamm.

Hamm, also known for his role as a handball expert, retired just before the Olympics in Paris.

As a result, ZDF has decided to establish a completely new duo - without Hamm’s longtime co-commentator Herbert Fritzenwenger, who is also approaching retirement.

Grube is no stranger to sports fans; the 54-year-old has been working for the Mainz-based broadcaster for many years. In addition to his duties for the "ZDF Sports Report" and "sports studio live", Grube has shown his expertise across several sports. He commented on boxing events until 2010 and demonstrated his knowledge in various sports at multiple Olympic Games, including equestrian (2012), figure skating (2014 and 2018), golf (2016), and swimming (2021 and 2024).

Biathlon legend Sven Fischer joins Grube as co-commentator. The 53-year-old, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and seven-time world champion, has been with the broadcaster for over 16 years, most recently working as an expert. The new expert will be former world-class biathlete Denise Herrmann-Wick.

Other Changes at ZDF

In addition to biathlon, veteran presenters Rudi Cerne and Norbert König are also stepping back due to age. Their roles will be taken over by Katja Streso (43) and Katrin Müller-Hohenstein (59) during broadcasts. "Amelie Stiefvatter will again take on the role of presenter for our alpine skiing broadcasts, and Lena Kesting will host our ski jumping coverage after successfully premiering last season," explained ZDF sports chief Yorck Polus.

For the alpine ski races, Fabian Meseberg will replace Michael Pfeffer (65) as commentator. Mareile Scheidemann (33) will be on the microphone for the nordic combined events.