{
“placeholderType”: “BANNER”
}
DSV nomination irritates many fans
Justus Strelow is hoping for World Cup gold in the mixed singles and is forgoing today’s men’s singles – a decision that not all fans can understand.
Justus Strelow (r.) skips the men’s singles for the mixed singles with Vanessa Voigt
© IMAGO/CEPix
Did those responsible for German biathlon negligently waste a chance to win a medal? One of their best people thrown out for mysterious reasons?
{
“placeholderType”: “MREC”
}
It was the impression of many fans when the DSV announced the line-up for today’s men’s singles on Tuesday (from 5.20 p.m. LIVETICKER): With Benedikt Doll, Philipp Horn, Johannes Kühn and Roman Rees – without the in-form Justus Strelow.
“Justus where?” – “Why don’t you ever let Justus go?” – “Where is Justus again? What’s wrong with him?”: The astonished reactions on Instagram and Co. were numerous. However, there is a good reason why the 27-year-old from Dippoldiswalde in Saxony is left out.
Strelow is spared in the singles and instead goes on the hunt for medals in the mixed singles with Vanessa Voigt the next day. He wants it that way himself – because he thinks he has better chances in this situation.
{
“placeholderType”: “MREC”
}
Justus Strelow foregoes singles for single mixed
The DSV confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it was relying on its successful duo from Antholz in the single mixed: At the World Cup dress rehearsal in South Tyrol, the two celebrated the first German victory ever in the youngest World Cup discipline with just one spare.
Because he has realistic hopes of also landing a coup in the constellation in Nove Mesto, Strelow had already indicated last week that he would probably forego the individual to do so – he confirmed this in a media round on site before the official announcement.
“Single and single mixed don’t mix well. Of course you want to run World Cup races. But in the end it’s about medals. I can make my best contribution to the team in the single mixed,” explained Strelow: “In the individual there would theoretically be a chance for a medal. But let’s be honest: I need zero. In addition, I have to be lucky that the strong runners make mistakes. That’s why my chance is better in single mixed.”
{
“placeholderType”: “MREC”
}
Reactions in the fan community are divided: While some follow Strelow’s logic, others still don’t understand – quote from a user on the official biathlon account of the DSV – “why you feel ‘undervalued’ as the best shooter at a World Cup sold”.
If you click here, you will see Instagram content and agree that your data will be processed for the purposes set out in Instagram’s privacy policy. SPORT1 has no influence on this data processing. You also have the option to activate all social widgets. You can find information about revocation here.
Biathlon World Cup: New opportunity for Vanessa Voigt
In the Czech Republic, Voigt and Strelow – who had already made a top impression in the mixed relay – have to compete in the reverse order: Strelow starts with the men from the other nations, Voigt and Co. complete the final part.
The success of Antholz is a “nice motivator. “You can approach it with a lot of self-confidence and a bit more relaxedness,” said Strelow: “We know that we can do it. I hope that we can fight for the medals and maybe even the victory.”
In the five single mixed World Cup races so far, Franziska Preuß and Erik Lesser won the only German medal to date with silver in Antholz in 2020.
Despite her second place in the individual, Janina Hettich-Walz was not considered for the smallest team competition – the DSV trusts Voigt, who placed fifth in the same race, and is chasing her second World Championship medal after the relay silver from Oberhof.
With Sports Information Service (SID)