Gasparin: “That warms my heart”: Lenzerheide becomes a party hotspot

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Blowing horns, waving flags and drinking mulled wine, countless biathlon fans streamed towards the finish stadium in Lenzerheide on Saturday. Most people can immediately see which colors their heart beats for. German fans are everywhere. However, in stiff competition with the even crazier dressed French. A hat with a plush rooster on it, the French national symbol, is especially popular. Others tied a flag around their necks. Or they have their own fan articles, like Denis Vallet, the president of “Biathlon Supporters France”.

He smiles and presents his hat, on which he records with pins the stations he has visited so far: Albertville, Ruhpolding, Antholz, Lillehammer and many more. Lenzerheide is now the first Swiss World Cup destination. He has about 50 fan club members in tow. “In total we have more than 250 people in our club,” says Vallet proudly.

“This is for the Confederates!”

Lenzerheide is currently experiencing what it means to organize a top-level biathlon event. Many fans of this sport make their visit a celebration – not only do they have a reputation for being extremely passionate (when cheering and often at the glass), but also for being extremely loyal and honest.

The couple Simone and Markus, from Thuringia (De), believe it is a matter of honor that you also support others. Both hold a Swiss flag in their hand. “This is for the Swiss!” says Markus, revealing: “We visit a different place every year – this time the premiere in Lenzerheide is one of them.”

Another fan from Germany, where biathlon winter sport is the number one, informs a Swiss supporter on the way to the arena. He will also travel to Oberhof and Ruhpolding, then on to Italy, the Czech Republic, Norway, the US and Canada. In other words, he won’t miss a single World Cup or World Cup race this season. The Swiss listener is impressed.

Not far from the finish stadium, former top biathlete Selina Gasparin (39) is in a discussion group at the stand of the Cantonal Wrestling Association of Graubünden. She is also stunned. “I used to walk alone in a meadow – now so many people here are watching the first World Cup at home,” said the Sochi Olympic silver medalist: “When I see that, it warms my heart.” Wrestling king Christian Stucki (38) sits next to him and is impressed by the performance of the top biathletes, even though running on the cross-country ski trail is not entirely his specialty, the 1.98 meter tall giant says with a smile.

Desired goal not yet achieved

Stucki and the swing stand are part of the supporting program, which is intended to make the event even more attractive to fans – all in view of the Biathlon World Championships at home in February 2025, where even more spectators are expected.

From Saturday, organizers expected an attendance of 25,000 spectators over all four days, which clearly exceeded the minimum target, but the desired number of 30,000 was not achieved.

The major Swiss exploits have not yet taken place. Niklas Hartweg is in twelfth place as the best Swiss in the pursuit – with Johannes Thingnes Bö (Nee) as the winner. Behind them are Sebastian Stalder (24th) and Joscha Burkhalter (44th). Among the women, Lena Häcki-Gross fought her way to eleventh place despite stomach cramps the night before. Amy Baserga (36th), Lea Meier (39th) and Aita Gasparin (40th) are further back.

Justine Braisaz-Bouchet took victory ahead of compatriot Julia Simon – it’s a dream day for the many French fans who traveled there.

Source : Blick