“The descents were life-threatening!”: The condition of the cross-country ski trail in Oberhof frightens the biathlon star

class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 fmXrkB”>

The weather is not only causing unrest for alpine skiing, the Biathlon World Championships are also affected this week. Due to warm temperatures, rain and wind, the ten kilometer race for men in Oberhof (De) had to be postponed from Thursday to Friday.

But it’s not the extra day off that’s causing problems, especially among Norwegians; it’s the state of the cross-country trails. The Scandinavians were the first to take to the track for training and did not say a good word about them.

Worst conditions

“These are probably the worst conditions I have ever walked in Oberhof in,” complains Johannes Thingnes Bö (30) to Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Stones, pine needles and tree bark mingle with the sparse snow. That doesn’t make the task any easier for the athletes. On the contrary. “The descents were life-threatening!” says Bö clearly.

His teammates see the same thing. Endre Strömsheim (26) takes it with humor. “For me, at least, it’s a record,” he says. “That was the worst training day ever.”

Five-time Olympic champion speaks out

Five-time Olympic champion Martin Fourcade (35) also commented on the condition of the cross-country ski trail. The Frenchman, who resigned in 2020, wonders and even questions Oberhof as a location. “Maybe it’s time to choose a location that suits our times.”

He is aware that artificial snow is necessary to guarantee the organization and fairness of the races, says Fourcade. (beer)

Source : Blick