From Sanfilippo to Hofer: Italy's biathlon boss is now speaking

The Azzurri have already achieved eleven podium places (five for Lisa Vittozzi, three for Dorothea Wierer, two in the women's relay and one in the mixed relay) this year. Vittozzi was recently at the top of the individual in Ruhpolding for the first time in four years. Even Höllrigl itself did not expect such a high number of podium places. “I felt that we trained well and had a good team. But the balance sheet so far certainly exceeds expectations,” explained Höllrigl SportNews .

Vittozzi's successes are particularly striking after she had slipped into a hole in previous years. “In the end it is always the result of good preparation. Lisa worked hard to solve her problems. The trainers have succeeded in doing this together with her.” In addition to Vittozzi, Dorothea Wierer is also one of the world’s best among the women: “Doro has fewer health problems this year, for example with her back. She still does a tremendous amount and is incredibly important to us.”

<a data-caption="Tommaso Giacomel, Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi sind stark drauf. Hier beim zweiten Platz in der Mixed-Staffel mit Didier Bionaz (ganz links). © ANSA / IGOR KUPLJENIK" data-fancybox="inline-143513" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2023/01/tommaso-giacomel-dorothea-wierer-and-lisa-vittozzi-sind-stark-drauf-hier-beim-zweiten-platz-in-der-mixed-staffel-mit-didier-bionaz-ganz-links.jpg"> Tommaso Giacomel, Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi are going strong. Here in second place in the mixed relay with Didier Bionaz (far left). © ANSA / IGOR KUPLJENIK

In the men's race, Tommaso Giacomel is consistently in the top ten this year. The young Trentino driver even came fifth twice. “It is important that Tommaso is at the front. Then it's about small details, whether you make it onto the podium in biathlon. As long as he stays at the front and stays calm, the podium will come eventually. “You just can’t want it too much,” says Höllrigl.

Sanfilippo's resignation At the beginning of the week, unrest arose in the Italian biathlon team for the first time. Just before the home World Cup in Antholz Federica Sanfilippo suddenly resigned . One of her reasons was that she wouldn't have been there in Antholz. After her resignation Her friend Dorothea Wierer jumped to her side . Höllrigl said the following: “The Fedi (Federica Sanfilppo; Note d. Red. ) told me personally. I was surprised, but I understand their decision.” “I was surprised, but I understand their decision.” Klaus Höllrigl on Federica Sanfilippo Höllrigl continued: “Rebecca Passler took a break from the individual in Ruhpolding because we wanted to give Eleonora Fauner a chance. She previously won in the IBU Cup. In Antholz we planned not to let Fedi start because Hannah Auchentaller had a win and second place in the IBU Cup. Everything would have been open for the World Cup, but she wouldn't have been there in Antholz. That's correct."

Hofer is fighting for a comeback A constant topic, however, is Lukas Hofer's health. The 33-year-old Montaler has not yet competed in a race this year. “Luki” is fighting for nothing less than his career, as he explained two weeks ago. Hofer can't start in Antholz either. He is completing the training sessions here and somehow hopes to get fit for the World Cup in Oberhof (February 8th to 19th).

“We have the opportunity to test Luki before the World Championships at the IBU Cup in Obertilliach to see what level he shows. This was clearly agreed upon with Luki. It is also his opinion that he only wants to go to the World Cup if he has a certain level. A comeback in Antholz would have come too early – even if he is on the mend,” said Höllrigl. “He only wants to go to the World Cup if he has a certain level.” Klaus Höllrigl about Lukas Hofer The sports director once again emphasized Hofer's importance for the team. “The men’s relay team recently achieved a good fifth place even without Luki. But of course, a Luki Hofer in form would be an incredible asset for us. We don't need to discuss this. In the end, inflammation paralyzed him for so long. This took a lot longer than we all thought. At first we didn’t understand exactly why, but now he’s on the right track.”

>>> On Thursday there will be an interview with Alexander Inderst, the Azzurri's new head coach.

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

From Sanfilippo to Hofer: Italy's biathlon boss is now speaking

Suggestions

Comments (0)