Debacle for German Biathletes! TV Expert Spares No Criticism

Debacle for German Biathletes

The German biathletes experienced a tough day during the first individual event of the new season in Kontiolahti.

The German athletes were not competitive.

The team clearly missed the podium in the shortened 15-kilometer individual race, where a much-discussed new starting rule made its debut. Philipp Nawrath was the best performer for the German Ski Association (DSV), finishing in 22nd place with three shooting errors, 2:49.2 minutes behind the winner, the flawless Norwegian Endre Strömsheim.

The Germans spoiled their hopes of a podium finish with too many mistakes at the shooting range. Following Nawrath, Danilo Riethmüller finished in 30th place (3 shooting errors), with all other DSV team members placed outside the top 30.

TV Expert's Harsh Analysis

"This is far from the expectations. All of them were too far behind in terms of running, not to mention at the shooting range. That the DSV athletes were so weak in their compactness today and that none of them made it through is doubly bitter," analyzed Eurosport expert Michael Rösch bluntly about the disappointing performance.

Justus Strelow, considered a particularly good shooter, had an especially bad day. He ended up with six errors and an unremarkable 80th place.

"I always wanted to shoot a little street," he commented on his shooting record (3-2-1-0 errors) in ARD, resorting to gallows humor. "I completely lost my orientation while shooting prone."

Meanwhile, the Norwegian team continued where they left off last season. In a tight duel, Strömsheim (0) beat the dominant Johannes Thingnes Bö (1) by 3.3 seconds. The third place went to his compatriot Sturla Holm Lægreid (0/+24.2 seconds).

New Start Rule Made Its Debut

In the shortened individual race, the stars started significantly later than in previous years. The IBU announced before the season that the top 15 in the overall World Cup would receive higher start numbers in the individual and sprint races. While the IBU promises exciting competitions until the end with this change, athletes fear disadvantages concerning track conditions.

However, in slightly below-zero temperatures and firm ground in Finland, this concern was not confirmed during the first test run.

On Wednesday, the women will also compete in the shortened individual race, which requires running 12.5 kilometers. On Friday, the men will kick off the second weekend in Kontiolahti with the first sprint of the year (16:20 on ARD and Eurosport).

_with Sport-Informations-Dienst (SID)