Denise Herrmann is looking at the overall World Cup

“The overall World Cup is one of the highest things you can achieve. I know that I have what it takes to be at the front and make life very difficult for the others,” said the currently best German biathlete to the dpa before the start of the new World Cup season. However, as in all other sports, the corona pandemic will make it one with aggravating circumstances and perhaps unforeseeable imponderables. That's why Herrmann isn't the only one happy that the individual 15-kilometer race (14.20:XNUMX p.m.) is finally starting again on Saturday in Kontiolahti, Finland. In times of Corona, the ski hunters have the advantage of outdoor sports, and the world association IBU has also invested a lot of money and know-how in a hygiene concept that should make races possible without cancellations until the end of the season next March. Herrmann is heading into the winter optimistically “The basic structure is a very, very good one. It can work,” said Herrmann and is optimistic that all competitions will take place. It's a shame that the ski hunters almost always have to run in front of empty stands. “But this year we have to think elementary and be happy that we are even allowed to do our job,” said the 2019 world pursuit champion, who believes that “the loyal fans are also watching on television.” “I am optimistic that I have my tools together and can use them anywhere” The 31-year-old is heading into the pre-Olympic winter with confidence; preparation went almost smoothly despite the pandemic. “I am optimistic that I have my tools together and can use them anywhere,” said Herrmann. As one of the best runners, she can rely on her strength on the trails. The German team also works with the newly hired shooting coach Engelbert Sklorz, from whom Herrmann also received new incentives and tips. Faster processes, a different touch – these can bring the seconds that ultimately decide on victory. “For me personally it has progressed and I hope to hit a few more targets this season. Now the challenge is to implement this in the stress of competition,” said the seven-time World Cup winner. In the previous season she won three times - in the final race in Kontiolahti in the sprint ahead of Franziska Preuß - before the season finale in Oslo had to be canceled due to the Corona crisis. But the topic of the former cross-country skier, who has won five World Championship medals since her move, is consistency. Top results were followed by less good results with too many errors when shooting. With a hit rate of just 77 percent, she came third in the overall World Cup last season and won the discipline ranking in the sprint. “If you want to be at the forefront of the overall World Cup, you have to deliver a top performance in every competition. That’s the challenge for me,” said the Saxon. This year, in addition to consistency and a bit of luck, there would also be a lot of unknowns, such as possible race cancellations, a corona infection or quarantine. “I can influence what is in my hands. I try to do that as best as I can. But there are more unknowns than usual this year,” said Herrmann: “But of course when the time is ticking down in the competition, then you have to deliver fully and that is my goal.” Herrmann would be the sixth German Herrmann would be the sixth German to win the big crystal ball after Neuner (2008, 2010, 2012), Wilhelm (2006), Henkel (2007), Martina Glagow (2003) and Dahlmeier. The last person to do this was double Olympic champion Dahlmeier on March 19, 2017. She is also the last German to wear the yellow jersey. “That wouldn’t be bad either. As long as our top from the running suit is still yellow, it would match very well. “So we wouldn’t have anything against it,” said Herrmann, who came second in the World Cup last season. “With her outstanding running ability, she has a big advantage over all other athletes. If she can combine that with good shooting performance, she is of course capable of winning the thing completely,” said former German women’s coach Ricco Groß. In the last two years, the world leaders have also come closer together among women. “We are working to ensure that we have one on the podium in every race. But it won’t be as easy as it used to be,” said women’s coach Kristian Mehringer.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Denise Herrmann is looking at the overall World Cup

Denise Herrmann would also like to add herself to this list with illustrious names such as Magdalena Neuner, Laura Dahlmeier, Kati Wilhelm and Andrea Henkel.

Suggestions

Comments (0)