Velepec's resignation: Biathlon team after a World Cup shock before a new beginning!

Velepec's resignation: Biathlon team after a World Cup shock before a new beginning!

In German biathlon there is a dramatic change: Uros Velepec is no longer the national coach of men. The Slovenian asked how the dsv in a press release, for immediate delivery of its duties immediately after the disappointing World Cup in Lenzerheide. Despite a medal rain for Germany, crowned by five medals as a whole, the men's team remained without a single medal and was left behind the expectations. Many were surprised by Velepec's resignation.

The 58-year-old took office in 2023 and took over the helm of Mark Kirchner. He himself emphasized that his decision was not spontaneous and was only partially related to the performance of the World Cup. "We are currently not at the level that we had set ourselves as a goal," said Velepec, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of a fresh impulse for the upcoming Olympic Games in 2026. During the World Cup, Velepec made the decision not to nominate the two-time bronze winner Justus Strelow for the men's relay.

a surprising successor

As his successor, Tobias Reiter was introduced, who previously looked after the men in the IBU Cup. The DSV plans to use the next three World Cup weeks to make important course for the Olympic season. Michael Rösch, a former biathlete and current TV expert, described the resignation as a "medium-heavy earthquake". "The time is blatant. Immediately after the World Cup, with three outstanding World Cups," said Rösch. This shows how urgently changes in German biathlon sport seem necessary to get the team on course and to equip the next competitions.