The German Biathlon team is facing a challenging start to the season finale in Oslo after a fire incident involving their wax truck occurred during transit. The truck caught fire at the rear axle on the way to Norway, a situation that could have turned dire, had it not been for the rapid response of the drivers.
According to the German Ski Association (DSV), the fire was extinguished quickly, thanks to the alertness of the team members. "Dank der schnellen Reaktion unserer Fahrer konnte das Feuer gelöscht werden, doch die Nacht wurde lang," said DSV's sport director, Felix Bitterling, highlighting the team's swift action. Repair work ensued throughout the night of March 17-18, 2025, as the mechanics worked diligently to restore the vehicle to operational condition.
On the afternoon of March 18, the truck was declared roadworthy again, allowing the team to resume their journey towards Oslo, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive season finale.
The biathlon elite will gather at the famed Holmenkollen, as the season's concluding World Cup races are slated to kick off on Friday, March 21, 2025. This final showdown will see the debut of the sprint events; the men's race starts at 1:30 PM, followed by the women's sprint at 4:20 PM.
Cascading behind the technical setbacks is the fierce competition facing team member Franziska Preuss. With just days before the events commence, the stakes are sky-high as she finds herself in a tight neck-and-neck battle for the overall World Cup title against French rival Lou Jeanmonnot. Currently, Preuss holds a slim 20-point advantage over Jeanmonnot.
Preuss, reflecting on the climactic end to the biathlon season, has remarked on the significance of the Yellow Jersey, calling it "eine der größten Leistungen, die man erreichen kann. Da zählt nicht nur ein Tag, sondern viele Tage zwischen November und März." Preuss’s determination illustrates her commitment not just to securing the title for this race but to showcasing the hard work and dedication that spans the entire season.
Aside from Preuss, the German women’s team will also feature Selina Grotian, Johanna Puff, Stefanie Scherer, Sophia Schneider, Julia Tannheimer, and Anna Weidel. On the men's side, competitors include Philipp Horn, Simon Kaiser, Johannes Kühn, Philipp Nawrath, Roman Rees, Danilo Riethmüller, Justus Strelow, and David Zobel. Following the sprint, the agenda includes pursuit races on Saturday, March 22, 2025, and mass starts on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Despite the earlier disruptions, the team's resilience shines through as they aim for successful finishes at these final events. The upcoming races at the Holmenkollen hold promise not just for the German team but also for the riveting showcase of talent in the world of biathlon.
As the countdown to the opening race continues, sports enthusiasts and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s sure to be an exhilarating weekend bursting with suspense and fierce competition in Oslo. The German squad hopes to carry their momentum through to strong performances in their quest for biathlon glory.
