Start of Biathlon World Cup Without Superstar Lisa Vittozzi

Season Start Without Biathlon Superstar

The Biathlon World Cup kicks off the new season without overall champion Lisa Vittozzi. The Italian star is troubled by an injury.

Italy's biathlon women will start the new season absent their superstar, Lisa Vittozzi, who has withdrawn from the season opener on November 30 in Kontiolahti, Finland due to back problems. The confirmation of the overall World Cup winner from last year came from the International Biathlon Union (IBU).

The Italian federation announced that the 29-year-old has been struggling with back pain for weeks, preventing her from adequately preparing for the World Cup opener.

As a result, Vittozzi will miss the first three races of the new season, focusing instead on preparing for the World Cup weekend in Hochfilzen from December 13 to 15.

German Men Start Without Rees

The German men’s team will also compete without Roman Rees at the season opener. As reported by DSV sports director Felix Bitterling, the 31-year-old had trained well over the summer.

Unfortunately, Rees fell ill before the qualification competitions in Vuokatti, Finland, and is therefore not in form. He will concentrate on competing in the IBU Cup to regain his competitive edge.

Biathlon Opener: Preuß as Team Leader

The German Ski Association (DSV) has nominated twelve athletes for the races in Kontiolahti, starting with the single mixed relay on November 30.

The 27-year-old Preuß had taken a break this summer due to mental health issues but is fit to return for the season opener. Additionally, Johanna Puff, Julia Tannheimer, Julia Kink, and Selina Grotian will be competing in Kontiolahti.

The German men's team will consist of Johannes Kühn, Justus Strelow, Philipp Nawrath, Philipp Horn, David Zobel, and Danilo Riethmüller. Veteran Benedikt Doll has retired following the previous winter's season.