Here we go: 5 South Tyroleans travel to the start of the biathlon

The long wait is over: the biathletes' World Cup opener will take place in Östersund this weekend. There are also 5 South Tyroleans there in the far north.

21 November 2023

From: dl

Italy's biathlon sports director Klaus Höllrigl has nominated a total of 11 athletes for the opening stage in Östersund, including 6 women and 5 men. In particular, the biathletes around Dorothea Wierer and the resurgent Lisa Vittozzi have spoiled the home fans with successes in recent years, which culminated last season with the gold medal in the women's relay (together with Samuela Comola and Hannah Auchentaller).

The five South Tyroleans who will be heading to Sweden for the start of the World Cup on Wednesday are Wierer, Auchentaller, Rebecca Passler, Lukas Hofer and Patrick Braunhofer. The Italian squad is completed by Vittozzi, Comola, debutant Beatrice Trabucchi and Tommaso Giacomel, Elia Zeni and Didier Bionaz. “We are traveling to Östersund in good shape,” Höllrigl told the Italian Winter Sports Federation (FISI) before departure.

Lukas Hofer is back after a season of epidemics. © AFP / JOE KLAMAR

“Vittozzi and Wierer had a good summer preparation, although Doro had a bit of a fever recently,” said Höllrigl. As previously reported, Wierer had a temperature of 39 degrees in the past few days. However, there are many indications that Italy's great biathlon star will take off from Milan with the azure convoy towards Stockholm on Wednesday. It is still unclear whether Wierer will start on Saturday.

A broad team

“The other girls also shoot well. We are confident and can start with self-confidence,” said Höllrigl, also referring to Auchentaller and Passler. The relay world champion is taking part in the World Cup for the first time this year and wants to further establish herself in the World Cup just like her good friend Passler, who was one of the fastest shooters last year.

Rebecca Passler wants to attack again this year. © NordicFocus / NordicFocus

“In the men’s race, Giacomel and Bionaz did well in the tests in Norway. We expect the next step from Braunhofer this year – especially in terms of running,” said biathlon boss Höllrigl. The people from Vinschger are particularly looking forward to this Hofer's return, who only took part in the World Cup last year due to an injury: “He made a great impression at the weekend in Martell and is not in any pain at the moment.”

“Luki is not in any pain at the moment.” Sports director Klaus Höllrigl about Lukas Hofer

The fact is: Italy's men's team could really use a Hofer in top form this year. Last year only Giacomel was at world class level. But overall the team is still young – both women and men.

World Cup start in Östersund: The program

Saturday November 25th:
Single mixed relay (12.30), mixed relay (14.50)

Sunday, November 26th:
Women's singles (11.20), men's singles (14.30)

Wednesday, November 29th:
Women's relay (15.20)

Thursday, November 30th:
Men's relay (15.20)

Friday, December 1rd:
Women's sprint (14.45)

Saturday December 2th:
Men's Sprint (14.45)

Sunday December 3th:
Women's Pursuit (14.00), Men's Pursuit (16.00)