World Cup
Breathe a sigh of relief in Oberhof: Biathlon competitions start on Friday
The Norwegian Tarjei Bö during training in Oberhof. photo
© Martin Schutt/dpa
The weather is once again not playing into the hands of the Oberhof biathlon organizers. The conditions are more than difficult. But it can now start a day late.
Despite the persistent rain, the Biathlon World Cup can take place in Oberhof. This was confirmed by the head of the organizing committee, Bernd Wernicke.
“We were well prepared, point A. We were always in coordination with the IBU world association, point B. And the weather report shows that the relocation was correct. We can hold the competitions from Friday,” said Wernicke German press agency.
The men’s sprint over ten kilometers, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to heavy precipitation, plus temperatures and gusts of wind and is now on the program on Friday (11.20 a.m./ARD). “I’m ready now: It just has to start. The joy is there and we’ve worked so hard,” said Wernicke.
While the Norwegian athletes around their star Johannes Thingnes Bö expressed strong criticism of the route, the German biathletes were understanding. “The conditions were fine. The track was firm and the helpers made the track hard with salt,” said Justus Strelow after training. “Everyone will make an effort to ensure the conditions are as fair as possible.”
The world association IBU also demands this, but they praise the tireless work. “I am pleasantly surprised at how well the snow held up on the routes,” said Daniel Böhm, IBU Director of Sports and Events. “It doesn’t look like a winter wonderland, but the OC is doing a good job of keeping whatever snow is there.”