In a thrilling race, the German team fought at the front for a long time – but in the end, it wasn’t enough for a podium finish.
The German biathletes narrowly missed out on their first podium finish of the winter in a dramatic relay race. Justus Strelow, Lucas Fratzscher, Philipp Nawrath, and David Zobel finished fifth (+5.4 seconds) at the World Cup in Oberhof after ten reloads. Norway (2 penalty loops + 7 reloads) secured victory in a highly exciting finish, ahead of France (2+9/+2.6), Sweden (0+12/+3.8), and Italy (1+9/+4.8).
“It was incredibly cool. With this weather and atmosphere in Oberhof. Only a tiny bit was missing to make it perfect. Nevertheless, this day will stay in my memory forever,” Zobel’s conclusion on ARD was euphoric despite finishing fifth.
In the absence of Philipp Horn, who was out due to illness, Justus Strelow opened for the DSV team. The best German shooter had two reloads in the best weather in the Thuringian Forest and handed over to Fratzscher, who was making his relay debut this season, in fifth position. While competitors from Norway and France each incurred two penalty loops, the 31-year-old kept his team on track for a podium finish.
Nawrath hands over relay in first place
Nawrath, who had finished second in the sprint at the start of the World Cup, then even brought the German team into first place; for a time, the lead over the first pursuers was over 30 seconds. However, three reloads during the standing shoot quickly made that cushion disappear. Final leg runner Zobel kept the DSV team in the fight for victory, with the decision only coming on the final straight.