World Cup start: A South Tyrolean surprises in the far north

Lukas Hofer is the big figurehead of Italy's biathlon men. But the Montaler won't be there at the start of the World Cup in the far north due to an injury. Another South Tyrolean had a great moment and caused a surprise: Patrick Braunhofer came 24th and achieved by far his best career result.

The 24-year-old from Ratschings has been able to get a taste of the World Cup from time to time in the past; he achieved his best result two years ago in Kontiolahti when he came 70th. Braunhofer has so far been denied a big breakthrough because last season he only competed in the second-class IBU Cup. Now, however, he caused a big exclamation point in his first World Cup race in almost two years.

Hit 19 of 20 targets “Brauni” got off to a strong start in the far north of Finland, especially at the shooting range, he kept calm and made no mistakes in the first two stages. His brisk series demonstrated serenity and suddenly even the top 10 was within reach.

It wasn't until the third shooting range stop that Braunhofer left a target (and thus received a penalty minute), but that didn't throw him off his game and he made a flawless series in the final shooting. Hitting 19 of 20 targets – that's an extremely strong performance that ultimately earned him 24th place and his first World Cup points of the season. This idea can be built upon.

Surprises on the podium Martin Ponsiluoma took the first win of the season. The Swede, who is known for his particularly strong running performances, presented himself almost flawlessly at the shooting range this time, only shooting one ticket and thus taking home the second victory of his career.

Couldn't beat: Martin Ponsiluoma. © APA / BARBARA GINDL

You can expect a Martin Ponsiluoma in such spheres of the classification, but not the second and third place finishers: In second place was the Swiss youngster Niklas Hartweg, who got through without missing a shot and celebrated the first podium finish of his life. So far, 2th place was his best result. The German David Zobel came third, for whom it was also the first podium of his career.

Nothing to do for the favorites There was no podium finish for the favorites a la Sturla Holm Lægreid (6th), Johannes Thingnes Bø (12th) or Quentin Fillon Maillet (15th) this afternoon. Italy's young hopeful Tommaso Giacomel just missed the points in 44th place, while World Cup debutant David Zingerle ended up in 81st place with four errors.

The first World Cup stage in Kontiolahti continues on Wednesday at 13.15:XNUMX p.m. with the women's singles. Then Dorothea Wierer will also intervene in the new season. With the SportNews -Live ticker so you don't miss anything.

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World Cup start: A South Tyrolean surprises in the far north

The first biathlon race of the 2022/23 season has been won. In the individual competition in Kontiolahti (Finland), a Swede secured victory – and a South Tyrolean ensured a big exclamation point.

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