German Men's Relay Team Makes Comeback in Ruhpolding

German Men's Relay Team Makes Comeback in Ruhpolding

Originally published in sportschau.de on January 17, 2025

German Men's Relay Team Makes Comeback in Ruhpolding

The German biathlon men's team has claimed their first podium finish in Ruhpolding. At the home World Cup, the DSV team finished in third place, with France taking the victory ahead of Sweden.

This marks the third relay victory of the season for the French team. The German squad, made up of Justus Strelow, Danilo Riethmüller, Johannes Kühn, and Philipp Nawrath, celebrated a significant achievement despite suffering 14 shooting errors, finishing the race +58.80 seconds behind the leaders.

In a post-race interview, Nawrath expressed relief and excitement about their performance, stating, "It's fantastic to take this chance at home, and I'm really happy about it."

The team started strong, with Strelow opening the race. After overcoming early challenges, they maintained a competitive edge throughout the relay, ultimately securing their spot on the podium as excitement built in the home crowd.

The race began with Strelow capitalizing on past experience and showcasing determination, handing over to Riethmüller who managed to hold positions well despite the pressure. However, Kühn struggled during the shooting rounds, requiring additional rounds that pushed them down the rankings momentarily.

Ultimately, Nawrath's strong final leg was pivotal in retaining their third place, as competitors faltered in their shooting at critical moments. Despite their initial challenges, the Germany team proved they could rebound and make a significant statement in the World Cup.

In conclusion, this performance not only highlighted the team's competitive spirit but also set the stage for future races, as they aim to build on this momentum in upcoming events.