Preuß Aims for Sprint Glory After Bronzed Debut at Biathlon World Championships
Franziska Preuß, Germany’s top biathlete, is relishing the prospect of a short walk back to her hotel after Wednesday’s bronze medal performance in the mixed relay at the Biathlon World Championships in Lenzerheide, Switzerland.
"It’s very effective," Preuß said of the close proximity between the Roland Arena and the team’s accommodations. "You can just leave when you’re done, you never have to wait."
With the sprint race scheduled for Friday, Preuß is hoping to add another medal to her collection while also savoring the convenience of the team’s chosen lodging.
"It’s nice to have a good start," said Preuß, who leads the overall World Cup standings. "I hope we have a few more good days."
Preuß has been on a tear this season, with 10 podium finishes in 14 races, including two individual victories and two more with the relay team. Despite her impressive form, she admitted to feeling the pressure before the mixed relay.
"After the race, I really felt the pressure drop off me," Preuß said. "The bronze medal with the mixed relay team was exactly the start we were hoping for."
For Preuß and her teammates, the early success has created a positive mindset heading into the remaining 11 events of the World Championships. "Everything that comes now is certainly easier than winning the first medal," said sports director Felix Bitterling.
In the men’s sprint on Saturday, the Germans will face a tough challenge against the powerful Norwegians and French, but in the women’s race, Preuß and 20-year-old Selina Grotian are among the favorites.
However, Preuß knows she needs to improve her shooting if she wants to challenge for the top spot. "It happens quickly that you make a mistake, but to be at the top in the individual races, that can’t happen," said Preuß, who had two unnecessary reloads in the mixed relay.
A good result in the sprint is also crucial because the gaps created will also determine the starting positions for Sunday’s pursuit race.
Preuß’s only previous individual World Championship medal came almost a decade ago, when she won silver in the mass start in Kontiolahti in 2015. After undergoing surgery on her sinuses last year, she is now free from discomfort and in the form of her life.
Preuß is focused and determined to make the most of what could be her final World Championships participation. "I really want to make it to the top this time," she said. "I have come through the winter without any major illnesses, which has rarely happened in the past."
She has also acclimatized to the challenging conditions in Lenzerheide by increasing her training volume over the autumn. With her sights set firmly on the podium, Preuß is eager to reward herself on Friday with a long-awaited return to the World Championship podium.
