Vittozzi, Wierer, Olympia: Now the biathlon boss speaks

The biathlon season has been over for a good month now, and preparations for the coming winter, which will undoubtedly be a special one, will soon begin. Reason enough to talk to Italy's sports director about the Olympic Games in Antholz, Dorothea Wierer's final season, and Lisa Vittozzi's comeback.

07 May 2025

From: dl

"Of course, I expected more from last season – also in terms of podium finishes. Especially in the relays, we missed many opportunities. But there were also positive developments, such as that of Tommaso Giacomel, who is now among the world's best, or the top-ten finishes of Hannah Auchentaller, Michela Carrara, and Samuela Comola," explains Klaus Höllrigl on SportNews-Demand.

And what does the Vinschgau native say about Wierer, who will be entering her final winter as an active biathlete? "Doro did well last season in terms of skiing. She just wasn't able to reach her usual form on the shooting range. Anyone who knows her knows that she'll give 100 percent in her preparations. Just like Lukas Hofer, who hasn't yet said that this will be his last winter. Things haven't been going well for him this year either." Hofer and Wierer are both now 35 years old.

“Lisa Vittozzi is on her way back to normal.” Klaus Höllrigl

The big problem child in Italian biathlon, however, was Lisa Vittozzi. As the reigning overall World Cup champion, the 30-year-old had to miss all competitions due to back problems. "Things are looking better for Lisa now. She's not training fully yet, but she's increasing her workload. She's on the way back to normality. She worked extensively with doctors and physiotherapists at a rehabilitation center. This helped her get her problems under control, and no surgery was necessary. But of course, mentally, it wasn't an easy time for Lisa," explains Höllrigl.

Home Olympics in Antholz approaching

The big topic, of course, is the 2026 Olympic Games in Antholz. When asked whether the pressure on Höllrigl and his team is particularly great because of the home Olympics, he replied: "We're not setting ourselves a specific medal goal. But we've been putting everything into the balance for years to ensure that everything goes smoothly in February 2026, and we don't want to be accused of not having thought of everything. Ultimately, we have plenty of sporting opportunities and want to be able to enjoy the Olympics."

Rebecca Passler is determined to compete at the Olympics in her hometown. © Teyssot / Pierre TEYSSOT

And how does Höllrigl view the development of the young athletes? "I still expect a lot from them. Some of them still lack consistency. Rebecca Passler had a difficult winter. After her illness, she really found her form. She's capable of much more. Linda Zingerle also experienced difficult times, but emerged stronger. At the European Championships in Martell, Linda experienced two high points and, at the end, also showed in the World Cup that she can compete at this level."