Biathlon World Cup Kick-off in Kontiolahti: Mixed Relay Live Today

Originally published in Sport1 on November 30, 2024

In Kontiolahti, biathletes are kicking off the new season with the World Cup opener featuring two races on Saturday. Viewers can watch the biathlon events live on TV and through streaming services.

The biathletes will start their new season on Saturday, November 30 in Finland with the Single-Mixed and Mixed Relay events. The action begins at 13:15 (LIVE TICKER), starting with the Single-Mixed Relay, which is a compact version of the Mixed Relay involving one man and one woman who compete together. Each biathlete will cover a distance of six kilometers. For the German team, Vanessa Voigt and Justus Strelow are set to compete, following their successful previous season in this format in Antholz.

The Mixed Relay will feature Franziska Preuß leading the charge. The 30-year-old athlete hopes for a winter free of health issues after undergoing sinus surgery. She will compete alongside Johanna Puff, Danilo Riethmüller, and Philipp Horn.

How to watch the World Cup kick-off in Kontiolahti live:

TV: ZDF and Eurosport
Stream: sportstudio.de, Discovery+

The German Team for Kontiolahti

The German Ski Association (DSV) is sending a total of eleven athletes to compete on the first World Cup weekend. Alongside Franziska Preuß, Vanessa Voigt will also be in action. Female competitors include Johanna Puff, Julia Tannheimer, Julia Kink, and Selina Grotian.

The men's team consists of Johannes Kühn, Justus Strelow, Philipp Nawrath, Philipp Horn, David Zobel, and Danilo Riethmüller.

Biathlon: Rule Changes Cause Controversy

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is testing a new start order until the end of the year. The top 15 women and men in the overall standings will start in the third group for the sprint and individual events. Previously, top athletes could freely choose their starting positions, often opting for lower numbers out of concern for deteriorating track conditions. The change promises exciting (TV) images but has drawn criticism: DSV athlete Johannes Kühn calls it "not ideal," while France's team leader Stephane Bouthiaux labeled it "completely scandalous" in the 'Nordic Magazine'.