8:59. From 12:05 on Sunday, the German women’s team will be taking to the start line of the biathlon world cup relay in Antholz (Italy) in a weakened position. This is because its two leaders will not be taking part. Firstly, Franziska Preuss has been rested at her request. A request that the staff accepted.
Selina Grotian was due to finish the race after Marlene Fichtner, Sophia Schneider and Julia Kink. However, on Sunday morning, the German Ski Association announced in a press release that its biathlete had suffered from a sore throat. “With a view to the world championships, it has been decided to withdraw her from the relay”, explained Felix Bitterling, head of the German biathlon.
Johanna Puff takes her place to complete a (very) rejuvenated quartet. With this reduced competition, France could well take advantage to win its first relay of the winter.
