Uros Velepec has unexpectedly resigned as the head coach of the German Biathlon men's team, just two days after the conclusion of the Biathlon World Championship, where the team’s performance fell short of expectations. The 58-year-old Slovenian coach requested to be relieved from his duties, as announced by the German Ski Association (DSV). Following his resignation, Tobias Reiter, 39, has been appointed to take over the role.
During his brief tenure, which began when he succeeded Mark Kirchner in 2023, Velepec faced considerable challenges. His resignation follows the German men's team’s underwhelming results at the championship held in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, where they only managed to secure bronze in the relay event, failing to earn individual medals. Velepec attributed his decision to the current state of the team, emphasizing, "Das ist keine spontane Entscheidung und hat nur bedingt etwas mit unserem Abschneiden bei der WM zu tun" (This is not a spontaneous decision and relates only marginally to our performance at the World Championship).
He elaborated, stating, "Mit ausreichend Zeit wären wir sicher in der Lage, gemeinsam aus dieser aktuell schwierigen Situation herauszukommen" (With adequate time, we would surely be able to overcome this currently difficult situation together). Velepec recognized the necessity for immediate action, indicating, "Je früher, desto besser" (The sooner, thebetter) to prepare for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games 2026.
Felix Bitterling, the DSV's sports director, expressed surprise at Velepec's quick departure but acknowledged the importance of team dynamics moving forward. He remarked, "Wir haben Uroš in den vergangenen Jahren als einen Trainer kennengelernt, der Athleten für sich gewinnen und begeistern kann" (We have come to know Uroš as a coach who can win over and inspire athletes). The DSV is hopeful for continuity as Tobias Reiter, who has extensive experience within the organization's framework, steps up to the head coach position.
Reiter was most recently responsible for the men’s IBU Cup team and has previously worked closely with prominent athletes like Franziska Preuß. Bitterling noted, "Tobias hat die meisten unserer Athleten bereits im Verlauf ihrer Karriere betreut" (Tobias has already coached most of our athletes during their careers), reinforcing the sense of continuity and stability within the team.
The German Biathlon team has faced criticism for its lackluster performances, especially concerning shooting accuracy and competition speed—crucial elements as they prepare for the international stage. Velepec introduced the notion of risk-taking strategies during shooting but recognized the team's struggles to implement this approach effectively.
Looking to the immediate future, both Velepec and Bitterling agree on the need for renewed energy and focus as the German team aims to rebuild before the next Olympic season. The sentiment resonates with Velepec’s assertion of needing "einen neuen Impuls" (a new impulse) within the team dynamic.
The transition period with Reiter at the helm and Jens Filbrich supporting will be pivotal. Bitterling expressed his collective hopes for this change, citing the potential for reviving the team’s spirit as they approach future competitions. The upcoming three weeks of the World Cup are seen as pivotal for laying down groundwork for the Olympic season, making the strategic decisions now all the more significant.
With Velepec's departure marking the end of one chapter, the dual challenge for Reiter and Filbrich will be to not only address the present issues but also successfully navigate the pressures of Olympic aspirations. The German Biathlon community awaits eagerly to see how this new leadership will influence their team's performance on the world stage.