Oberhof (dpa) - Biathlon Olympic champion Arnd Peiffer rates the restart in professional football during the Corona crisis as positive.
"I don't see it that critically. It's also fashionable to hack around on football. Of course they have a special role, but I don't find it wrong as a test," said the 33-year-old from the German Press Agency. While competition is currently not possible in other sports due to the restrictions that still apply, footballers have long been concerned with points and victories.
"The Corona tests in football do not mean that Grandma Erna cannot be tested because the test capacities are not being exhausted at all. In my opinion, it is okay," said the five-time world champion from the Harz region. It is currently also about "finding a way of how our social and economic life continues. Then it is an attempt." Peiffer observes the developments with interest: "We cannot shut down the whole country until next summer now."
The gold medalist from Pyeongchang has been preparing for the World Cup start in late November for almost a month. The corona rules only make training a little more difficult. "We'll deal with that, but that's not a big limitation now," said Peiffer. The calendar of the ski hunters was initially confirmed by the world association IBU as planned. However, it remains open whether races with spectators are possible and whether it is really possible to run in all countries.
It is very difficult for Peiffer to imagine holding the German World Cup next winter without spectators. "In Ruhpolding and Oberhof, this is bankruptcy for the organizer, because they do not participate in the TV money. The organizers need ticket sales, otherwise they cannot do it at all. It is difficult," said Peiffer. "The fans and atmosphere are part of Oberhof and Ruhpolding, which is what makes the two places so appealing."
Biathlon World Cup Ruhpolding
Biathlon World Cup Oberhof
Biathlon in the German Ski Association
DSV announcement on the World Cup calendar
World Cup Calendar Biathlon
Homepage Arnd Peiffer
