Breathe a sigh of relief in Oberhof: Biathlon competitions start on Friday

Despite the persistent rain, the Biathlon World Cup can take place in Oberhof. This was confirmed by the head of the organizing committee, Bernd Wernicke, on Thursday. "We were well prepared, point A. We were always in agreement with the IBU, point B. And the weather forecast shows that the postponement was right. We can hold the competitions from Friday," Wernicke told the German Press Agency.

The men's ten-kilometre sprint originally scheduled for Thursday was postponed due to the heavy rain, plus temperatures and gusts of wind and is now scheduled for Friday (11:20 a.m./ARD). "I'm ready now: it just has to start. The joy is there and we've worked so hard," said Wernicke.

While the Norwegian athletes around their star Johannes Thingnes Bö were heavily critical of the course, the German biathletes were understanding. "The conditions were fine. The track was firm and the helpers got the track hard with salt," said Justus Strelow after training. "Everyone will make an effort to ensure the conditions are as fair as possible."

This is also required by the IBU, who praised the tireless work. "I am positively surprised at how well the snow has held up on the tracks," said Daniel Böhm, IBU Director of Sport and Events. "It doesn't look like a winter wonderland, but the OC is doing a good job of keeping the snow that is there."