Under strict conditions: Biathlon starting signal in Martell

By Luis Mahlknecht from Martell

A radical rejuvenation treatment has marked the period since the end of the season in March until today. So they added two young women, Michela Carrara and Irene Lardschneider, to Doro Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi. When it came to boys, they went one step further and even brought juniors Didier Bionaz and Tommaso Giacomel on board alongside Patrick Braunhofer. Together with the established Lukas Hofer, Dominik Windisch and Daniele Cappellari, they now form the A team, which continues to work under the direction of head coach Andreas Zingerle.

>>> Click here for an overview of the national teams

Shooting exercises are on the training plan from early in the morning. The biathletes adhere exactly to the distance regulations, only occupy every third shooting lane and dryly practice the exact sequence at the shooting range: remove the rifle, load it, get into position, aim at the target, shoot, repeat, finish, shoulder the rifle. The same processes are carried out again and again - almost like a prayer wheel. Each coach (in addition to Zingerle there is also Andrea Zattoni, Klaus Höllrigl and Nicola Pozzi) stands behind two athletes, observes, advises, corrects. Then it is cleared away, with each athlete again being responsible for their own concerns. Direct contact is avoided, and the minibuses only have room for three athletes at a time.

Dorothea Wierer at the standing position. © lm

After shooting in the Martello drizzle, we head out to Goldrain, where the roller skis are laced up at the roundabout. The target is one hour and 40 minutes, which the biathletes should complete uphill through the valley. Dorothea Wierer, who is well aware of her role as a role model, starts at the front and sets the pace. “It's simply a pleasure to be able to train next to such a top athlete,” comments 20-year-old Tommaso Giacomel, who, as a member of the financial guard, had the opportunity to do a few practice sessions with “Doro” in Predazzo before this first team training session to carry out. And Didier Bionaz is also beaming: “It’s an incredible honor to be part of this team.” Everything is planned from morning to evening Head coach Zingerle, who is always careful to ensure that the winter sports association's regulations are adhered to, explains the strong rejuvenation in the team very simply: “Our eyes are of course focused on the 2026 Olympics at home. That's why we have to integrate the promising talents now. In two years it would be too late.” And so they all sweat, from the good-humored Dominik Windisch to the always focused Lisa Vittozzi to the bearded Patrick Braunhofer and Irene Lardschneider, who is suffering from slight knee problems, mastering the hairpin bends near the Latscher forecourts and gliding past the Gand and reach Hintermartell, where the most diligent people even roll up to the dam.

Then there is the lunch break, and in the afternoon we continue in the fitness center on Trattla. Martell offers the best conditions, the biathletes are laying the first pieces of the puzzle. Matching the mega puzzle with 32.000 pieces that Lukas Hofer put together during the lockdown and now wants to donate to a social institution.

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Under strict conditions: Biathlon starting signal in Martell

The newly formed national biathlon team is in Martell this week for their first joint training camp. We paid Dorothea Wierer and Co. a visit.

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