The podium of the men's relay with the Azzurri (left). © APA/afp / ISAAC HALE

2nd place: Italy's men's relay team phenomenal

Together we are strong: That is probably the motto of Italy's biathlon men this season. The Azzurri also achieved a podium finish in the relay at the World Cup in Soldier Hollow (USA).

March 08, 2024

From: dl

Third place in Oberhof and Ruhpolding. But now Italy's men's relay team has gone one better at the start of the USA World Cup. Patrick Braunhofer, Tommaso Giacomel, Didier Bionaz and Lukas hofer took an outstanding second place on Friday. The Azzurri were only beaten by the Norwegians. Third place went to Germany.

This time Braunhofer was given preference over Elia Zeni and the Ridnaun native repaid the trainer's trust. With only one spare, Braunhofer handed over to Giacomel in fourth place. The Trentino native, who had recently made a mistake in the mixed relay in Oslo, showed an outstanding race and led Italy to the top. Bionaz held this until the standing stage before the Aosta native had to reload three times. In the end, Bionaz sent final runner Hofer into the race in fourth place.

Hofer outstanding

Hofer caught up with the USA and Germany in his first round. The Pusterer only had to reload twice and started the final lap at the same time as Philipp Nawrath. Then Hofer unpacked all his class and experience. In the end, the South Tyrolean beat Nawrath on the home straight and celebrated his podium finish with his teammates. However, the Norwegians couldn't be beaten - despite three penalties at the start.