Biathlon in Oberhof: German relay in third place – “unfortunately my hands were two blocks of ice” | EUROtoday

The German biathletes secured the second relay podium place of the Olympic winter on the World Cup in Oberhof. Selina Grotian, Julia Tannheimer, Janina Hettich-Walz and Franziska Preuß got here third in World Champion France’s victory. In the decisive remaining taking pictures, Preuß misplaced out in a direct duel with three spare rounds in opposition to the flawless Norwegian Maren Kirkeeide. The Scandinavians took second place.

After one penalty from Grotian and a complete of 13 spare rounds, nationwide coach Kristian Mehringer’s protégés ended up 1:28.4 minutes behind the Olympic favorites from France. Norway was 53.7 seconds behind. For the German ladies, it was the second podium of the season after third place in Hochfilzen.

Four weeks earlier than the beginning of the Winter Games in Italy, Grotian put her staff behind with a penalty within the standing stage. “As soon as I started, I thought to myself, oh, this could be difficult, unfortunately my hands were two blocks of ice,” mentioned Grotian on ARD. She had no actual feeling in her fingers. “I felt like I hit them all, but unfortunately none of them fell over.”

Grotian had already scored two penalties in eleventh place on the season opener in Östersund on the finish of November. It’s been a troublesome season for the 21-year-old to this point. Because of a corona an infection, she missed the 2 World Cups in Hochfilzen and Le Grand-Bornand. So far she has solely accomplished 4 races and has to fret about qualifying for the Olympics.

Hettich-Walz is catching up

Grotian handed over to Tannheimer in tenth place (+ 37.5 seconds). The 20-year-old barely prevented the subsequent penalty lap whereas mendacity down. She wanted two spares whereas standing. Hettich-Walz began the race in fifth place, 1:16.5 minutes behind the chief. And the 29-year-old delivered, bringing her staff as much as second place.

Subscribe to WELTMeister Spotify, Apple Podcasts or instantly by way of RSS-Feed.

Overall World Cup winner Preuß began the ultimate part virtually similtaneously Kirkeeide. And Germany’s athlete of the yr initially impressed with a really quick inclined taking pictures. Kirkeide made up the hole of seven seconds till the ultimate taking pictures and took Preuss away on the taking pictures vary: While the Norwegian solely wanted 20.6 seconds, Preuß took 50.3 seconds. Nevertheless, she cheered together with her teammates on the end.

“Second place was possible, that’s why the last shooting annoys me a bit. Third place is still good in the end,” mentioned Preuß.