Antholz: Relay day with large South Tyrolean participation

The Biathlon World Cup in Antholz will experience another highlight on Saturday. In the completely sold-out South Tyrol Arena, the winners of the single mixed and mixed relay will be chosen - and perhaps also with South Tyrolean protagonists.

20 January 2024

From: pm/dl

The best duos in the world will be in action from 12.55:14.45 p.m., while the mixed competition begins at 2:XNUMX p.m. The teams of two start shortly before noon. The starting position there is very exciting. The aces from Sweden, Norway, France and Germany will probably decide on the victory and the podium places among themselves. The only race to date at the start in Östersund was won by the host nation Sweden with Sebastian Samuelsson and Hanna Öberg. Norway came in second place, France completed the podium. This time Sweden is sending Samuelsson and Mona Brorsson into the race, the Norwegians are fielding Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen and overall World Cup leader Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold.

Host Italy also has outside chances. The two local heroes Rebecca Passler and Lukas hofer start for the “Azzurri”. While Passler was able to achieve 26th place in the women's singles, Lukas Hofer from Montal didn't do much and he had to settle for 65th place. Now the South Tyroleans want to cause a big surprise in the single mixed relay.

“I would prefer the single mixed together with Lukas Hofer.” Rebecca Passler when asked when she didn't yet know the lineup

After the women's singles on Friday, we spoke briefly with Passler about the possible lineups. At that point she didn't know anything. “I hope I can run tomorrow. I would prefer the single mixed together with Lukas Hofer. If I could choose,” Passler explained with a smile SportNews-Demand. This case has now occurred.

Wierer in the mixed relay

The mixed relay starts at 14.45:XNUMX p.m. Norway is the clear top favorite here. The Scandinavian quartet is broadly positioned and on paper has the best team with individual winner Johannes Thingnes Bø, his brother Tarjei as well as Juni Arnekleiv and Karoline Knotten. France won the only mixed relay competition so far this season in Östersund, ahead of Norway and Italy. The “Azzurri” around Tommaso Giacomel, Didier Bionaz, Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi put together the best possible team and underline their ambitions to achieve a top result in the South Tyrol Arena. Of course, Germany and Sweden can also be expected.