Dorothea Wierer showed a strong performance. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

In Antholz: Wierer knocks loudly on the podium

It almost worked: Dorothea Wierer was very close to getting her first podium place this winter in the sprint in Antholz.

23 January 2025

From Antholz

Just like in the mass start in Ruhpolding four days ago, Wierer had to settle for fourth place again on Thursday. The 34-year-old was 11 seconds behind Franziska Preuß on her first individual podium in around two years. The World Cup leader from Germany shot flawlessly compared to Wierer. Nevertheless, Wierer's performance in her 41st Antholz start was more than impressive.

The Niederrasner missed her penultimate shot in front of ski legend Alberto Tomba and FISI President Flavio Roda. On the cross-country ski run, however, Wierer was stronger than ever before this year. With a flawless performance, she could have even been in contention for the win. This was once again snatched by the outstanding Lou Jeanmonnot. The Frenchwoman is putting pressure on Preuß in the overall World Cup and is challenging for the yellow jersey.

Second place went to Germany's biathlon rookie Selina Grotian. In front of around 10.000 spectators, four French women finished in the top 7. The second best Azzurra in a cloudy Antholz opening was Martina Trabucchi in 20th place. Local hero Hannah Auchentaller also showed improvement and placed 30th with one shooting error. Her Antholz colleague Rebecca Passler, who missed three times, had to settle for 51st place, but is also allowed to start in the pursuit.

The Biathlon World Cup in Antholz continues on Friday (14.30:13 p.m.) with the men's sprint. The women's turn then comes again on Saturday (XNUMX p.m.) with a pursuit. Wierer will then start the race with a top starting position.