Biathlon World Cup Season Opener in Kontiolahti Includes Relay Races Today Live on TV, Stream, and Ticker - Preuß Absent

German Teams Eye Podium Finishes

The biathlon season kicks off in Kontiolahti today, with two relay races scheduled. Fans can catch the live action on TV and through streaming services.

Finally, biathlon is back! The new World Cup season opened yesterday with mixed relay races. Today, in Finland's Kontiolahti, two more relay events will take place.

The first race starts at 1:45 PM, featuring the men's 4x7.5 kilometer relay. Germany's team includes David Zobel, Johannes Kühn, Philipp Nawrath, and Philipp Horn. However, the strong Norwegian team led by brothers Johannes Thingnes and Tarjei Bö are favorites to win.

At 5:25 PM, the women's 4x6 kilometer relay is set to begin. The German squad will compete with Johanna Puff, Julia Tannheimer, Julia Kink, and Vanessa Voigt, who replaces the ill Franziska Preuß. Norway is expected to be a strong contender alongside Sweden and France, but Germany hopes for a top placement as well.

How to Watch the Relay Competitions in Kontiolahti Live Today:

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

On Saturday, the German teams secured their first podium placement, with Vanessa Voigt and Justus Strelow finishing strong in third place during the single mixed relay. The mixed relay team narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth. Norway clinched victory in a photo finish, leaving the French team disappointed.

German Roster for Kontiolahti

The DSV sends a total of eleven athletes to compete in the first World Cup weekend. Notably, alongside Franziska Preuß, Vanessa Voigt will represent the German team in the women's events, along with Johanna Puff, Julia Tannheimer, Julia Kink, and Selina Grotian.

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

Biathlon Rule Changes Spark Controversy

The IBU is testing a new starting order until the end of the year. The top 15 athletes in the overall standings will race in the third start group for sprint and individual events. Previously, these top athletes could choose their starting positions freely, typically opting for lower start orders out of concern for worsening track conditions. The changes promise thrilling visuals on TV, but have drawn criticism; DSV athlete Johannes Kühn called it "not ideal," while France's team leader Stephane Bouthiaux described it as "completely scandalous" in the "Nordic Magazine."

Sunday Competitions in Kontiolahti

Sunday, December 1, 2024:
1:45 PM: Men's 4x7.5 km Relay
5:25 PM: Women's 4x6 km Relay