Green light for the Biathlon Worldcup: Oberhof is ready for the competitions at the Grenzadler
The track preparation as well as the construction of the Hüttendorf are in full swing and the anticipation among organizers, helpers and, last but not least, athletes is growing. Right before the turn of the year 2024/2025, Oberhof is ready for the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon from January 9 to 12, 2025.
The current status of preparations and the winter forecasts make the organizers very confident. “We are looking forward to the World Cup and are starting the new year with optimism,” said the head of the organizing committee, Bernd Wernicke, at the press conference today (Monday, 30 december 2024)
A total of 287 athletes from 28 nations have registered for the competitions in the ARENA am Rennsteig. And the famous goosebump atmosphere awaits them at the Grenzadler. “The ARENA am Rennsteig is sold out for the pursuit races on Saturday, while tickets are still available for the sprint races on Thursday and Friday and the final mixed competitions on Sunday,” said Bernd Wernicke. In addition to exciting World Cup races, he is looking forward to a colorful supporting program: “Not only in the stadium, but also in the Hüttendorf and in the party tent on the town square, there will be all sorts of things on offer for guests of all ages. There should be no shortage of the right World Cup atmosphere.”
5.400 schoolchildren experience Biathlon
The women's and men's sprint competitions should be particularly atmospheric. Thanks to the school project “Youth meets Biathlon”, which was initiated by the Thuringian Ski Association and the Oberhofer Sport und Event GmbH, over 5,400 pupils from the Free State of Thuringia will be able to experience the fascination of biathlon live on site. “Pupils from 124 schools in Thuringia will find their way to Oberhof. It is of course crucial for the sport and our clubs to keep finding children and getting them interested in the sport,” said Frank Eismann, President of the Thuringian Ski Association.
After the ARENA am Rennsteig had already been used for training over the past few days, the preparation of the World Cup courses began early Monday morning. “We are in close contact with the IBU and the German Ski Association. The snow is currently being spread. We want to have the trails prepared by the end of the week so that we can take care of the finishing touches from the weekend,” said Heiko Krause, technical operations manager of the „Zweckverband Thüringer Wintersportzentrum“.
Basic training ahead of the season highlight
The German biathletes are also currently working on fine-tuning to be able to impress at their home World Cup. “Over Christmas and the holidays, we put in a big block of basic training, as the highlight of the season is coming up with the World Championships in Lenzerheide. With Oberhof, however, an extremely challenging World Cup awaits our athletes, which also brings with it an immense amount of media interest,” says co-federal coach Jens Filbrich, who is spending the turn of the year at home in Oberhof with his family. However, the former cross-country skier doesn't have much time to celebrate, as the first training session of 2025 awaits on New Year's Day.
Photos for your free use:
Photo: 241230_PK World Cup preparation (1)
Caption: The ARENA am Rennsteig is currently being prepared for the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2025 in Oberhof, which will take place from January 09 to 12, 2025. Photo source: Christian Heilwagen/Oberhofer Sport und Event GmbH
Photo: 241230_PK World Cup preparation (2)
Caption: Preparation of the course began today, Monday. Preparations should be completed by the end of the week.
Photo source: Christian Heilwagen/Oberhofer Sport und Event GmbH
Photo: 241230_PK World Cup preparation (3)
Caption: Jens Filbrich, discipline coach of training group Ia, is looking forward to the home World Cup in Oberhof.
Photo source: Christian Heilwagen/Oberhofer Sport und Event GmbH