German chances in Nove Mesto?
There is a problem with the biathlon highlight
After the surprisingly positive course of the season, the German biathletes are travelling to the World Championships with high hopes. The highlight of the winter begins on Wednesday afternoon (5.20 p.m./ARD and Eurosport) with the mixed relay race in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. But what happens if the weather doesn't play along? The answers to the most important questions.
What makes Nove Mesto so special?
The atmosphere. In front of a total of more than 200,000 spectators, the first World Championships in Nove Mesto eleven years ago was an emotional experience. In the Vysocina Arena with the steep stands behind the shooting range, it can be deafeningly loud, making shooting a special test, also for the nerves. In addition, the majority of the races take place in the dark in the early evening – otherwise the biathletes almost never compete under floodlights. The races will take place in western Moravia until February 18th.
What memories do Germans have of Nove Mesto?
Not the best. At the 2013 World Championships, the DSV ski hunters did not win a gold medal for the first time since 1986 in Oslo. Only Andrea Henkel, then 35, won silver in the individual event, and the men's relay team won bronze. It was the first World Championship after Magdalena Neuner's retirement. However, in Nove Mesto in March 2021, the German men also won their last World Cup relay victory to date.
Who will win the most medals?
For the men, it could be a Norwegian festival. The team around five-time Oberhof world champion Johannes Thingnes Bö has achieved six triple victories and many other podium places this winter. Six Norwegians are in the lead in the overall World Cup. In addition, following a rule change before the previous season, the Scandinavians have up to six starting places per individual race, and they have also won all relay competitions this season. For the women, it is more balanced: the overall World Cup leader Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold from Norway, the Italian Lisa Vittozzi and the two French women Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Julia Simon are the top favorites.
What are Germany’s chances?
Two-time sprint season winner Benedikt Doll had massive problems at the shooting range during the World Cup dress rehearsal in Antholz. He had a bit of a cold during the preparation, but if he gets back to his old strength, he is just as likely to win a medal as Philipp Nawrath. He had already worn the yellow jersey of the World Cup leader at the start. Johannes Kühn could also ideally be in the mix. In the relay, the men were on the podium in all World Cup races, and a medal is just as possible as in the women's races. Franziska Preuß and Vanessa Voigt have a chance of winning individual metal. The first World Cup victory in the single mixed relay by Voigt and Justus Strelow also gives confidence. However, things have not gone well in the mixed relay so far this season.
What is the weather like?
A little difficult because it is too warm. At the moment the temperature is well above zero, it is raining now and again and it could be stormy. “We are constantly monitoring the weather forecast and hope for improvement in the second week of the World Championships,” said competition director Vlastimil Jakes. However, the competitions are not in danger, as enough artificial snow has been produced in advance. “We still have 50,000 cubic meters of snow in the depot. We are not worried about a lack of snow, but in bad weather, such as temperatures above zero and rain, the quality of the snow will not be as good as in sub-zero temperatures,” said Jakes.
Where can I watch the World Cup?
At the World Championships, twelve world championship titles are up for grabs over nine days of competition. ARD, ZDF and Eurosport will broadcast all competitions live on TV and as a free stream. ARD and ZDF will share the broadcast as usual. ARD will start, then ZDF will take over the second part of the World Championship.
Who dominated last year?
Oberhof became Böberhof. Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Bö was the first male biathlete to win seven medals at a World Championship: five titles, one silver and one bronze. Among the women, the most successful was Swedish Hanna Öberg (2 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze). The best nation was Norway (5 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze). Germany (1 gold, 2 silver) came fourth in the medal table. The only title was won by Denise Herrmann-Wick, who has since retired, in the sprint.
Who are the record holders at World Championships?
Ole Einar Björndalen has won the most World Championship medals to date. The Norwegian has won 20 gold, 14 silver and 11 bronze medals. His compatriot Johannes Thingnes Bö is hot on his heels, having won 17 titles to date. The best female ski hunter is the Norwegian Marte Olsbu Röiseland with 13 gold and four bronze medals. The most successful German ski hunters are Frank Luck (11 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze) and Uschi Disl (8 gold, 8 silver, 3 bronze).
