Biathlon: Herrmann also wins persecution in Östersund

Denise Herrmann represented biathlon queen Laura Dahlmeier with flying colors at the first World Cup of the Olympic Winter: After his triumph in the sprint, the 28-year-old from Oberwiesenthal also made a real coup in the pursuit.

Herrmann, who only changed from cross-country skiing to biathlon last winter, won the World Cup in Östersund over 10 km after another class race despite two shooting mistakes with a 25.8-second advantage over the French Justine Braisaz. The Norwegian Marte Olsbu (48 seconds back) finished third.

“It’s really great to win, but it’s even more fun to be the first to run through the finish line. It’s incredible, wonderful. I’ve never had a feeling like that before,”Herrmann said on ZDF.

Maren Hammerschmidt (Winterberg/1:16.8 minutes) in fifth and Vanessa Hinz (Schliersee/1:29.1) in eighth place rounded off the fantastic result for the German Ski Association (DSV). Franziska Preuß (Haag) became 26th, Franziska Hildebrand (Clausthal-Zellerfeld) 35th.

Starting next Friday, the second World Cup will be held in Hochfilzen (8. till 10. December) on the programme. The seven-time World Champion Laura Dahlmeier, who had been absent in Östersund due to a cold, will also be competing there for the first time this season.

In Hochfilzen, Dahlmeier made history this year and was the first biathlete to win five gold medals at a World Championships.