About a distinguished visitor and a sewing machine

The big Antholz week is over: the sport of biathlon has once again shown its best side these days. This was also the case on the final Sunday. Here you can find the voices and further impressions.

21 January 2024

From: dl

From Antholz – by David Lechthaler

On Sunday there were a lot of celebrities on the side of the Antholz route: In addition to State Governor Arno Kompatscher, Federica Brignone was also there: The ski racer said that she had been a big biathlon fan for a long time and always followed the races on television. Unless she has a race of her own. Of course she keeps her fingers crossed for the Azzurre.

“I especially know Doro, Luki and Lisa well,” says Brignone. The 33-year-old was in a great mood. Many people wanted to take a photo with her. The Italian also took time for her fans. Wierer was also there in Antholz on Sunday, although she had decided not to start in the mass start. “Doro” was already in conversation with us on the Saturday after the mixed relay SportNews indicated that she might miss the race the next day.

Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also didn't miss the races in Antholz. © ANSA / LUCIANO SOLERO

“I don't know how I'm going to get through tomorrow's race yet. I had extremely heavy legs today. Even before the start. Let’s hope for a miracle,” Wierer said on Saturday. This apparently did not happen. Even in the morning, Wierer didn't feel recovered. 3 races within 3 days would have been too much. The South Tyrolean is feeling the long break and is not yet at 100 percent physically.

Hofer: The sewing machine started

On Sunday at the mass starts there was only one South Tyrolean, Lukas Hofer. The Montaler was still in 7th place before the last shooting. “The sewing machine started at the last shooting. My whole body was shaking. Especially the legs. “I tried to activate myself with a squat, but I had no chance,” said Hofer. One reason for the “sewing machine” is his tight schedule in the last few days.

“I’m in good spirits that the old Luki is back” Lukas hofer

According to Hofer, a top 5 place would have been possible on Sunday. In the end, after a brilliant final sprint, he fought his way to the finish in 20th place. In this situation you could see Hofer's fighting heart. But Hofer wasn't in a bad mood in the mixed zone afterwards. “I got away well with two mistakes anyway,” smiled Hofer. The shape fits. “As far as running goes, I’m in good spirits that the old Luki is back,” concluded the Pusterer. His training was geared towards the World Cup anyway.