DSV victories make Norwegians nervous
Desperate biathlon king loses dominance after ban
December 3, 2023, 7:54 a.m
The German biathlon dream start puts international competition under pressure. After Rees and Nawrath, the national coach believes that a third DSV ski hunter can secure the yellow jersey. Meanwhile, Dominator Bö is struggling with a rule change this season.
Biathlon king Johannes Thingnes Bö has a lot of trouble with the fluorine ban in winter sports. “There’s a big difference with the fluorine-free skis compared to before,” said the Norwegian: “You used to be able to fly on skis without needing strength in your upper body. That doesn’t work anymore.” This has consequences, including for the five-time Olympic champion. “Now I’m simply too weak, I need more muscles,” said Bö, who admitted that he was “a little bit” behind his form from last year.
On Saturday in the Östersund sprint he only finished 18th and “only” had the fourth best running time. In the mixed relay at the start he came second, but like in the individual he came third and made it to the podium in the relay win. Nevertheless, the situation feels “incredibly stupid,” said Bö: “It’s a challenge and I have to try to find my old strength again.”
Things are going much better in the German team. According to national coach Uros Velepec, the outstanding start to the season is slowly giving the competition pause. “The Norwegians are a bit nervous,” said the Slovenian in Östersund, Sweden. The Scandinavians around long-time winner Bö, who have been so dominant in the past, are still without an individual victory, while Roman Rees and Philipp Nawrath have already achieved two successes in two races for the German Ski Association. “It’s not that no one can play. Now we’re making them a little worried. That’s good for us too,” said Velepec, who replaced Mark Kirchner in office in the spring.
“We are now number one, two and three in the World Cup”
Before the pursuit race at the end of the World Cup in central Sweden this Sunday (4 p.m./ZDF and Eurosport), three Germans are ahead in the overall ranking. After his sprint triumph on Saturday, Philipp Nawrath (102 points) leads Justus Strelow (101) and Roman Rees (90). “We are now number one, two and three in the World Cup, this is a historic moment,” said Velepec, but added: “We don’t think we will stay there for long, but we will enjoy the moment. For us “It’s a dream day.”
At the beginning of the World Cup winter, two Germans earned the yellow jersey for men in Rees and Nawrath. Rees lost the jersey again after his debut by finishing 56th in the sprint. Nawrath, on the other hand, can hardly believe his luck: “It’s crazy that it worked out with the yellow jersey. I’m excited to see how it looks on me.” Velepec believes that at least one other member of his team will soon be able to take over the top spot. “Justus (Strelow, d. Red) is certainly a hot favorite to take over the jersey. He is a strong shooter and in great shape,” said the national coach with a view to the hunting race.