The German biathletes celebrated a conciliatory finish at the World Cup in Oslo with second place.
At the legendary Holmenkollen the quartet of the German Ski Association (DSV) in the formation Maren Hammerschmidt (Winterberg), Denise Herrmann, Franziska Preuß and double Olympic champion Laura Dahlmeier were 14.4 seconds behind the victorious French women after 4×6 km and seven reloaders. Third place went to the Italian team (+33.2).
The last team competition of the winter compensated at least a little for the disappointment at the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, where the DSV relay team only finished eighth a good three weeks ago. This was the only race of the last twelve relay races across the season without a German podium finish.
“We needed a good result, which is good for the entire team,” said Dahlmeier on ARD television:”We can be completely happy with this super second place. It was a great race.”
Runner-up Dahlmeier started her race in third place 28.1 seconds behind. Thanks to two flawless shots, she was only eight seconds behind Anais Bescond from France before the last lap – who, however, extended her narrow lead thanks to an energy performance and saved the victory.
From 3.15 pm the German men chase the sprint winner Henrik L’Abee-Lund in pursuit. On Sunday, the women will compete in the pursuit race before the men will compete in the relay at the end of the World Cup.