World Cup in Czech Republic
Encouragement at the Olympic dress rehearsal: First podium for Preuß
Franziska Preuß secured her first podium place of the biathlon winter at the start of the Olympic dress rehearsal in Nove Mesto. Two French women land in front of her.
Biathlon overall World Cup winner Franziska Preuß started the dress rehearsal before the Olympic Games in February with a podium finish. The 31-year-old earned a total of 90 seconds of penalty in Nove Mesto due to two missed shots and came third.
“I’m really happy that it worked out today, that the hurdle in my head is gone,” said Preuß to ARD after her first podium this season – an encouragement before the highlight of the year in Italy.
Victory in the shortened individual race over 12.5 kilometers went to Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (1 shooting error). Finishing behind the Frenchwoman was her compatriot Lou Jeanmonnot (1), the best athlete of the winter so far.
Sports director Felix Bitterling had explained that the Olympic participants Preuß and Anna Weidel should get “the finishing touches and further self-confidence” in the Czech Republic. While Preuss fulfilled this requirement, Weidel had more difficulties. She missed five times and finished in 44th place.
“I can’t quite explain it myself. Somehow I’m having a hard time doing it individually at the moment,” said Weidel. “I’m not happy at all.”
Marlene Fichtner (2) celebrated her best career result with 16th place. Sophia Schneider (45th place/5), returnee Hanna Kebinger (46th/5) and Julia Kink (77th/8) missed too many targets.
Vanessa Voigt, Selina Grotian, Janina Hettich-Walz and Julia Tannheimer, who were nominated for Antholz, are skipping this World Cup stop. Many trainers and supervisors are also not on site.
dpa
