The former German biathlon coach Uros Velepec will not only follow the Olympic season as a spectator. From then on, the Slovenian works as head coach in the neighboring country.
Just a few months after his resignation as a DSV coach, Uros Velepec accepted a new challenge. The 57-year-old becomes head coach in Poland. This was now also confirmed by the Polish association after there were already rumors.
Velepec only announced his resignation as a coach of the German men after the biathlon World Cup at the end of February. Although the season was not particularly successful, the experienced coach did not lack options.
“After leaving Germany, I got a lot of offers, even in the Olympic year. I was surprised. I thought I would take a year break,” said the coach in the official message.
Velepec: “I can see the potential”
Ultimately, Velepec opted for the job in Poland because he recognizes large space for improvements. “I can see the potential. It will not be easy, it is a long process, but we want to step out of the shadow and show that it can also Poland,” he said in a top-motivated manner.
Officially, Velepec will compete on May 1st and would like to catch up with sleepy developments. “It is not the case that our athletes used to be better. Others simply developed and we stayed where we were. Now is a good time to change that,” he said.
Biathlon in Poland only competitive in the women’s area
However, the coach will have to invest some time and effort to bring its athletes to the top of the world. This applies particularly in the men’s area.
As the best Pole last winter, Jan Gunka took 57th place in the overall World Cup, but is still capable of development at the age of 22. With Fabian Suchodolski (20 years) and Konrad Badacz (21 years), two more talents made it to the top 70.
In contrast, the top of the world is not that far away for women. Natalia Sidorowicz took 29th place in the overall ranking last winter and came ninth at the final start of the mass in Oslo. Kamila Zuk was also able to place under the top 50.
Velepec was only an assistant coach at the DSV and took over the main responsibility for the German men’s team after the resignation of Mark Kirchner in 2023. After a very ordinary season 2023/24, it didn’t work out in winter 2024/25, especially at the shooting range, which is why top positions are rather in short supply. For this reason, the 57-year-old cleared his place.