Wierer's upward trend and Vittozzi's absence: The background

The World Cup opener in the cold north had a real treat in store at the end. In the women's mass start, Dorothea Wierer was on the way to a podium place for a long time, even reaching for the win at one point - ultimately she finished sixth. A strong performance for the exceptional athlete, which gives hope for more.

"She started the season well in terms of running and got better from race to race. And we all know that she can shoot," explained biathlon racing director Klaus Höllrigl in an interview. "Doro is where the action is. We can be very, very happy with her start," the 44-year-old continued. "You can tell that she's really enjoying it."

In addition to Wierer, another South Tyrolean, Hannah Auchentaller, has made a name for herself. The 23-year-old performed at a high level in both the women's relay and the sprint. "But she can do even more and will continue to improve over the course of the winter," said Höllrigl, who sees the Antholz native on the right track. But there is always room for improvement. "I am happy with her performance, but I know that she can do even better."

What about Vittozzi? Lisa Vittozzi and Rebecca Passler, however, had to miss the start of the season in Kontiolahti and the trip to Hochfilzen. Vittozzi has been suffering from back problems in recent weeks, and the reigning overall World Cup winner will not be competing in any more races on the big stage this year. "It was her and our wish to only enter the World Cup once she had reached a certain level again," explained Höllrigl. "Hochfilzen was out of the question. In the end, we didn't want to rush things and preferred to come back in Oberhof as befits an athlete of her caliber."

Lisa Vittozzi continues to train individually. © APA/afp / MICHAL CIZEK

A similar approach is being used with Rebecca Passler. The 23-year-old from Antholz Mittertal was recently out due to flu, and now she is expected to gradually get back into the World Cup. A start in the Tyrolean Alps would have come too early. "We waited for the first training sessions to see how easy it was for her to get back into it. But she had a hard time," Höllrigl gave an insight. "Rebecca is a very important athlete for us, behind Vittozzi and Wierer she was the strongest in the preparation. That's why we are very cautious," he underlined the importance of the 2022 relay junior world champion.

Hofer with plenty of room for improvement In contrast to the women, the men of the azure blue biathlon team are heading to Hochfilzen with mixed feelings; Lukas Hofer and Co. have had a mixed start. "Actually, all the components for a good performance are there - but we haven't been able to bring them together yet," noted Höllrigl. A situation that should change in North Tyrol if possible.

The athletes don't have much time to get used to it. After arriving on Monday, today is already a full day of focus: trail, shooting range, equipment - the three steps to success. On Friday, the women start with the 7,5-kilometer sprint (start 11.30:10 a.m.), followed shortly afterwards by the men over 14.20 kilometers (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.).

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Wierer's upward trend and Vittozzi's absence: The background

After Kontiolahti in Finland, the biathlon circus will set up camp in North Tyrol next weekend. The racing director of the “Azzurri”, Klaus Höllrigl, reflects the mood in the Italian team.

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