“I’m incredibly happy,” says Benedikt Doll
As of 2:06 p.m
Benedikt Doll didn’t even give Johannes Thingnes Bö a chance that day
Source: AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO
What an encouragement for the Winter Olympics in two weeks. Biathlete Benedikt Doll sensationally wins the last individual race before the big event in Beijing. It was his first win this season.
“You can do it, boy. Let’s go, Benni!” Coach Peter Sendel screamed himself hoarse to tease the last reserves out of biathlete Benedikt Doll. And after a nerve-racking final shooting at the mass start in Antholz, closely followed by top star Johannes Thingnes Bö, he ran towards the finish as the leader. And Doll ran splendidly, even increased his lead – and shook his head at the finish, slightly surprised but smiling happily.
For the 31-year-old it is the first World Cup victory of the season and the third of his career. What’s more, he won the last men’s individual race before the Olympic Games in Beijing and gained a lot of self-confidence for the big event. A week ago in Ruhpolding, Doll showed with second place that he is to be reckoned with again.
“I’m incredibly happy,” he said shortly after the race. “After the last standing stage I knew that Johannes was strong, but I also knew that I had really good skis and that I was a strong skier today. It’s really nice that it worked out.”
It’s done: Benedikt Doll crosses the finish line in Antholz
Source: AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO
In the end, Doll was 31.3 seconds ahead of twelve-time World Champion Bö from Norway, who had two penalties. Third was Bö’s compatriot Sturla Holm Laegreid.
Return after corona infection
Back in the World Cup is Johannes Kühn, who finished 19th after his compulsory Corona break. After six penalties, he was 3:21.4 minutes behind Doll. Roman Rees also missed six times, finishing in 21st place.
“I was never really bad, but I had a bit of a cough for two days,” reported Kühn about his corona infection. Everything has been fine since Wednesday last week. “The race is actually there to get back into the rhythm. And then make the best use of the next two weeks.” On February 4, the Olympic Games will open in Beijing.
