Nawrath's Confident Challenge: "Want to Attack Again at the Front"

"Want to Attack Again at the Front"

After his strong performance in the sprint, Philipp Nawrath is determined to deliver a top performance in the mass start. His coach expresses optimism for the shooting range.

After finishing third in the Kontiolahti sprint, Nawrath looks confidently towards the mass start. "There are a few guys who are really strong right now. But everyone is just boiling water, so all chances are open. I want to attack again at the front. I’m bringing the success with me," said the 31-year-old with confidence about the race on Sunday (2:30 PM/ARD and Eurosport) over 15 km.

Following his disappointing individual race where he was the best DSV biathlete in 22nd place, Nawrath felt a sense of relief after the sprint. He acknowledges, however, that he still has room for improvement, particularly in his running condition.

Dream Start Last Season

Last year, Nawrath even won the first sprint in Östersund. He remarked that he is not yet at that level, saying, "I hope I can achieve that again."

Nonetheless, his podium placement behind the Frenchman Emilien Jacquelin and the Swede Sebastian Samuelsson was "perfectly timed at the start of the season": "I hope this also gives the team self-confidence."

"That Was Worth Its Weight in Gold"

Discipline coach Jens Filbrich also emphasized the importance of Nawrath’s result: "That was worth its weight in gold and extremely important for the team. This brings the team ease and confidence for the upcoming races."

The focus will shift to the women’s sprint over 7.5 km on Saturday (5:10 PM/ARD and Eurosport), where German hopes rest on Franziska Preuß, who finished fifth in the individual, and Vanessa Voigt (ninth). The World Cup in Kontiolahti will conclude on Sunday with the mass start events for men and women.