Title fights in Nove Mesto
Biathlete Preuß challenged after World Cup mistakes: has to check it off
Mistake at the shooting range: Franziska Preuß. photo
© Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
Franziska Preuß left the Vysocina Arena disappointed after her botched opening race. Now it’s time to tick things off and keep the focus.
The support of your teammates can Franziska Preuß can be sure. But above all, Germany’s best biathlete herself has to clear her head very quickly after her mistake in the mixed relay and fifth place at the start of the World Cup in order not to fall into a mental hole before the next medal chances.
“I have to manage to look forward again and make good use of the training day and tick off the race,” said the 29-year-old with a view to the sprint on Friday (5.20 p.m./ARD and Eurosport) at the World Championships in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic.
With a penalty loop, the Bavarian gave up France’s possible first medal in the mixed doubles with Justus Strelow, Philipp Nawrath and Vanessa Voigt. Preuß, who celebrated a strong World Cup comeback with three second places this season after her recent difficult years, is considered the German contender for precious metal at the season’s highlight.
But Preuss is also a head person. “It’s always stuck with me a bit. It’s the emotional aspect that always comes into play,” said the 2015 relay world champion.
Sports director believes in Preuß
“Franziska makes a solid impression, she has taken a good step forward,” said double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier to the dpa before the World Cup. She had hoped that the first race would go well for Preuß. “Then it fits. But if not, then she can quickly get into trouble,” said the seven-time world champion about her former teammate, who was the first German to wear the yellow jersey since Dahlmeier in 2017 at the end of the opening World Cup in Östersund.
Sports director Felix Bitterling believes in the qualities of the 2020/2021 World Cup third place finisher: “I’m not worried about Franzi. She’s so solid this year. She’s already won or taken home so many competitions for us this year.”
Shortly after her faux pas, Preuss didn’t know what she wanted to do to get the opening race out of her head. “She has a lot of experience. I’m confident that she can do it. If we can support her as a team, we will of course do that,” said the outstanding starting runner Justus Strelow.