Patrick Braunhofer was able to impress in the snow-covered Martell. © Josef Plaickner

Braunhofer is close to a European Championship medal

The start has been made, the first day of the European Championships in Martell is history. It was a day that almost ended with the greatest success of Patrick Braunhofer's career so far.

29 January 2025

From the biathlon center in Martell

With absolutely perfect weather and a fantastic snowy winter landscape, it was not only a perfect start for the organizers in the Vinschgau side valley, but also for two local biathletes. the strong performance of Linda Zingerle in the women's singles, Patrick Braunhofer narrowly missed out on a surprise medal win in the men's 20-kilometer race. But he was able to take part in the flower ceremony in the Marteller finish area, finishing sixth.

The 26-year-old from Ridnaun put in a strong performance on the track, but lost a lot of time with three shooting errors. If Braunhofer had missed one less target, he would have finished in third place. "It's a shame that it didn't work out at the shooting range, because otherwise I finally had a really good feeling today," summed up Braunhofer, who has now made a clear statement after not being considered for the World Cup in Antholz and the upcoming World Championships in Lenzerheide.

The second South Tyrolean, Christoph Pircher from Terlan, had to struggle with severe side stitches during the race and ended up in 2th place with two shooting errors.

Frey grabs the title

The first “Martel” gold medal in the men’s category was secured by Norwegian Isak Frey, ahead of North Tyrolean Fredrik Mühlbacher and Emil Nykvist from Sweden. “Martel is a special place for me, because the victory in the sprint was my very first success in the IBU Cup,” said Frey after his gold medal. Two exceptional Norwegian talents, Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen and Johan-Olav Botn, followed in fourth and fifth place.

Fredrik Mühlbacher, Isak Frey and Emil Nykvist on the podium. © Josef Plaickner

There is an official training day in Martell on Thursday. The championships will continue on Friday with the sprint decisions. The women's competition begins at 10.45:14.15 a.m., the men's at XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. The pursuit and relay races are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Biathlon European Championships in Martell, Individual Men (20 km):

1. Isak Frey (NOR) 54.10,7 minutes/2 shooting errors
2. Fredrik Mühlbacher (AUT) +31,7/1
3. Emil Nykvist (SWE) +47,2/1
4. Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen (NOR) +1.16,7/2
5. Johan-Olav Botn (NOR) +1.19,9/2
6. Patrick Braunhofer (ITA/Ridnaun) +1:20,4/3
...
12. Iacopo Leonesio (ITA) +2:01,0/0
18. Nicola Romanin (ITA) +2:28,09/2
25. Nicolò Betemps (ITA) +3:23,09/3
28. Christoph Pircher (ITA/Terlan) +3:39,01/2