Biathlon: the Germans trained in Bessans, their coach tells Nordic Magazine
From 16 September to 6 October, the German national biathlon team was on altitude training camp in Bessans (Savoie). Alongside four coaches and two physiotherapists, no fewer than fourteen athletes took part : Johannes Kuehn, Justus Strelow, Philipp Nawrath, Philipp Horn, Roman Rees, David Zobel, Danilo Riethmueller, Simon Kaiser, Vanessa Voigt, Sophia Schneider, Selina Grotian, Johanna Puff, Julia Kink and Julia Tannheimer.
“It’s been a wonderful three weeks in an ideal location for altitude training, Kristian Mehringer, head coach of the women’s group, told Nordic Magazine. Of course, it was difficult, but we had to face a lot of challenges during this high altitude camp. We’re also pleased that all the athletes were able to complete the camp without any problems or illnesses. We hope to carry this momentum with them into the final stages of preparation!”
A highly varied programme
In detail, the Germans did a lot of roller-skiing, particularly on the slopes of the Iseran and Mont-Cenis passes. “The aim was to work on muscular endurance,” explains the German coach.
There were also running outings at heights of over 2,000 metres , as well as the traditional shooting and rollerskiing sessions at the Bessan stadium , where the Germans were also able to test themselves in real running conditions.
“We took the opportunity to train even better for shooting at altitude, because it’s not always so easy to shoot at a good pace in these conditions, says Kristian Mehringer, noting that the 2026 Olympics will be held at altitude. Concentration is more difficult and reaction is also slower than at normal altitude.”
Muscle-building sessions were also on the programme for these three very varied weeks spent in Haute-Maurienne Vanoise.
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