Let's go: In mixed doubles, the German biathletes want to get off to a successful start in the Antholz World Cup. But the competition is tough. But also self-confidence. Although there are some problems.
Antholz (dpa) - When asked about the last German gold in the mixed relay, Denise Herrmann had to "unfortunately fit" first.
The best German biathlete came up with a little help before the start of the World Championships in Antholz, Italy, in a cheerful and hearty laugh: "Oh yes, 2017, well then."
Herrmann, start runner Franziska Preuß, Arnd Peiffer and Benedikt Doll are going into the mixed relay with great confidence on Thursday (2.45 p.m. / ZDF and Eurosport). The quartet wants to provide the opening badge for the first of twelve World Cup chances. "The minimum requirement is always a medal, that's also ours. A positive entry would be desirable so that the whole team can draw on it," said the 31-year-old.
Last year Vanessa Hinz, Herrmann, Peiffer and Doll with silver, who were not used this time, made an almost perfect debut in Norway behind Östersund. And thus ensured the repeatedly evoked flow, at the end of which there were two gold medals by Herrmann and Peiffer as well as another silver and three bronze medals.
11 months later in the South Tyrolean biathlon mecca, not only Herrmann & Co. head coach Mark Kirchner would be more than happy if his team went home with five or six medals. However, there is no medal requirement from sporting director Bernd Eisenbichler. It makes little sense to him. However, he did not deviate from the clear claim to precious metal. "We have two women and some men who are able to do this."
After the retirement of double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier, everything for the women will focus on Herrmann, who won a complete World Cup medal set in Östersund with gold, silver and bronze. The former cross-country skier is a podium candidate in every race - if she doesn't wobble when shooting. "For me, the shooting range is still the linchpin. I'm physically in good shape," said Herrmann. At Preuss it depends on whether she has caught up with her runner's health problems - then the strong shooter could do something too.
Apart from Herrmann and Preuss, it looks "difficult to mediocre for the women - without thinking now that it is bad," said record world champion Magdalena Neuner to the "Munich Mercury". "The others just have a damned hard time getting good results. I'm personally really sorry." Janina Hettich and Karolin Horchler, like Erik Lesser, did not meet the World Cup standard. In order to be able to set up the relay, Hettich and Horchler were also nominated without proof of performance. In addition, Hinz was unable to deliver constant performances in her "roller coaster" season.
In addition to the relay competitions, wherever a medal is aimed for, the men around Olympic and World Champion Peiffer are absolutely competitive in the individual races. The fact that four athletes, Doll, Peiffer, Johannes Kühn and Philipp Nawrath, can run in at the front is "almost a luxury situation for Neuner." Philipp Horn has also shown strong performances this winter.
Doll has the greatest chances. The sprint world champion from 2017, including his sprint success from France, was on the podium three times. At the World Cup dress rehearsal in Pokljuka, the 29-year-old finished second. And left the dominators Johannes Thingnes Bö (6 wins of the season) and Martin Fourcade (5), who will also fight great fights at the World Cup. "We want a relay medal. A single medal would also be nice, of course. I try to knock one out so that hopefully it will be enough for the podium," said the Black Forest. His coach added with a view to the giant duo Bö / Fourcade: "We are not afraid of big names, we do not have to hide from anyone."
For ex-world champion Lesser, the World Cup does not start until the second week; he is supposed to collect kilometers in the IBU Cup at the weekend. Because the long-form weak Thuringian will not start in the individual races. The 31-year-old can hope for missions in the single mixed and relay on February 20 and 22. He accepted his position in the team: "At least for this year. But for next year I am confident that it will work a lot better again."
