Sprint in Kontiolahti: Podium finish for Nawrath “a confirmation”

Thanks to his third place, Philipp Nawrath was able to better accept the congratulations on being the best German biathlete in the race this time. Just three days ago, the 31-year-old found it much more difficult to accept congratulations after his unsatisfactory 22nd place in the individual. The podium in the sprint was “a confirmation” of the training work in preparation, Nawrath told ARD in Kontiolahti, Finland.

On average, he and his teammates from the German Ski Association missed four times individually. Too common to attack the strongest athletes. There was then a hail of public criticism from those responsible. “We have to wake up,” said DSV sports director Felix Bitterling.

Led by Nawrath, the sextet met this requirement in the second individual race of the still young season and demonstrated an upward trend. The Bavarian hit all the targets and showed with the sixth-best running time that he is one of the best in the world. “I also had top material,” Nawrath praised his technicians.

Nawrath said he hadn’t noticed the negative response in advance and added: “We weren’t really counted on internally. The trainers and management were still relatively relaxed about it.”

“Wiggled like a cow’s tail”

But it was helpful that Philipp Horn (2 shooting errors) in 17th place and Johannes Kühn (2) two places behind also made it into the top 20. Danilo Riethmüller (1/21st) and Justus Strelow (1/29th) also presented themselves somewhat improved in France’s Émilien Jacquelin’s victory over the 10-kilometer distance. In order to be at the forefront, they were still missing something – both in the running area and at the shooting range.

However, David Zobel had big problems, finishing the race in 62nd place after four extra laps. “I am absolutely not satisfied,” he said. “My standing shooting, I wobbled like a cow’s tail. I can’t quite explain that yet.”

“You have to see what the coaches do”

The fact that he ran better than on Tuesday was little consolation for him. “It didn’t really go well for me,” Zobel said. “You have to see what the coaches do. In the World Cup you have to prove yourself in every race and unfortunately I wasn’t able to do that today.”

Nawrath, who had already attracted attention with a victory in the first sprint race last season, was in a much better mood. “It shows that you’ve done the right work,” he said. “Everything is flying away a bit now.”