Biathlon World Cup 2024/25: Germany starts with mixed season in Kontiahti

Biathlon World Cup 2024/25: Germany starts with mixed season in Kontiahti

The countdown is running for the beginning of the new biathlon season. On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the first competitions begin in Kontiolahti, Finland at the World Cup 2024/25. The athletes face the challenge in two exciting mixed relays, while the spectators look forward to the achievements of the athletes.

The kick-off events (single mixed relay at 1:15 p.m. and mixed season at 3:45 p.m.) not only promise exciting races, but also the chance for the German athletes to demonstrate their strong form. The anticipation is great, since the mixed relays are considered a critical discipline of recent years in which the German Ski Association (DSV) often failed to come to the podium.

Details about the competitions

In the single mixed relay, a male and a female athlete Pro Nation are at the start, which together have to complete 13.5 kilometers together and have to start shooting four times. The peculiarity: The athletes are available to three after -loaders per shooting unit, and the penalty round is shortened at 75 meters. The German line -up relies on Vanessa Voigt and Justus Strelow, who both are considered outstanding shooters, which also does not surprise those responsible.

The mixed relay, on the other hand, brings some changes. Two women and two men of a nation are at the start here, with the athletes covering six kilometers and also having to go to the shooting range twice. Surprisingly, the trainers did without the experienced Johannes Kühn and Philipp Nawrath. Instead, Johanna Puff and Franziska Preuß were nominated for the women, while Danilo Riethmüller and Philipp Horn compete in the men.

The German teams face a major challenge because the competitors should not be underestimated. In the single mixed relay, Norway and France are among the top favorites, with other strong competitors who are also looking for a place on the podium. In the mixed relay, the field of competition is more manageable, but Norway, France and Sweden are serious opponents. The health problems of Italian Star Lisa Vittozzi may benefit the German team, but could be another tension point in the competition.

With a view to the course of the season and the associated expectations, the DSV athletes hope to leave the criticism of the past few years and to bring fanaticism back, which makes biathlon sport so entertaining. The first results and reactions to the services will follow on Saturday when the World Cup really picks up speed in Kontiolahti. The live ticker of chiemgau24.de accompanies these exciting competitions.