Felix Leitner misses the Biathlon World Cup: Illness slows Tyroleans down!

Felix Leitner misses the Biathlon World Cup: Illness slows Tyroleans down!

Austrian biathlete Felix Leitner will not take part in the ongoing Biathlon World Championships in Lenzerheide. This was officially announced by the ÖSV after hopes that the Tyrolean could get fit in time were dashed. “Unfortunately he will no longer be joining us at the World Cup,” the ÖSV explained, due to a flu-like infection that had already kept him from the important preparation camp in Antholz LAOLA1 reported.

The cancellation comes shortly before the start of the title fights, which start on Wednesday with the mixed relay in Oberhof. Leitner had difficulty getting into shape due to health problems and mediocre performances, which also explained his deficit in the World Cup. ÖSV men's head coach Vegard Bitnes emphasized: "Unfortunately, Felix will not start at the World Cup. He needs more time to come back." The 26-year-old is now planning to return to the World Cup later in the season after an intensive training period OE24.

Post-nomination for the World Cup

As a result of Leitner's rejection, the biathlete Patrick Jakob was nominated. However, he will not compete in the mixed relay, but will travel to the first individual races at the weekend. In the mixed competition, Austria will compete with an experienced team: Simon Eder, David Komatz, Dunja Zdouc and Lisa Hauser want to make a big impression, just like in the sensational 2021 World Cup silver medal. However, the competition will be tough as the defending champions from Norway start the competition with their best line-up, led by Johannes Thingnes Bö and Marte Olsbu Röiseland.