Berlin – Biathlete Benedikt Doll just missed out on victory at the home World Cup in Ruhpolding, but gained a lot of self-confidence with a second place just before the Olympics. The 31-year-old shot clean for the first time this season in the ten-kilometer sprint on Thursday and was only 7.2 seconds behind the also flawless French overall World Cup leader Quentin Fillon Maillet, who celebrated his fourth win of the season.
Erik Lesser could also be satisfied with one penalty in standing and sixth place (+43.3) with his best result of the season and a good starting position for the pursuer on Sunday (2:45 p.m.). “It made me want to work hard,” said the 33-year-old happily on ZDF. The skiers of the German Ski Association (DSV) were happy about an excellent team result, although Johannes Kühn currently has to sit out due to a corona infection. David Zobel (1/+1:10.8) impressed in his first race of the season as a strong 24th and just missed half the Olympic standard.
Roman Rees ended up in 20th place with one penalty (+1:04.2), the fast-paced Philipp Nawrath (3/+1:24.7) placed 41st with three penalties. The relay is on Friday in Ruhpolding of the women (2.30 p.m.) before the men complete their relay race on Saturday (2.30 p.m./all ZDF and Eurosport).