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Will Niklas Hartweg come through? Since his sensational second place on the grid in Kontiolahti (Fin), the Schwyzer has posted a remarkable series of top results. Within one season he made the jump to the extensive world elite. After 16 of the 21 starts, he is eleventh in the overall World Cup – leading the U25 ranking. No wonder, with no World Cup result below 21. In comparison, last winter the 23-year-old from Wollerau occasionally showed his potential, but usually classified in the very high double-digit range.
Benjamin Weger (33), the most successful Swiss biathlete in history, who retired last year, is positively surprised: “That Niklas was able to take such a step right away is very strong and impressive.”
He says: “I have a lot of confidence in him for years to come. But you also have to be careful: it is also about confirming the services.”
Stalder also on the rise
In the final phase of the season in Östersund (from Thursday) and at Holmenkollen, Hartweg will have the opportunity to complete his strong series of this winter. And: writing Swiss sports history. A Swiss biathlete has never won a World Cup ranking. In the U25 ranking introduced in 2020, he would be the second athlete to achieve this feat after two wins over Norwegian Sturla Holm Lagreid (26).
However: Italy’s top talent Tommaso Giacomel (22) is still hot on his heels and is only 43 points behind Hartweg (see box). And also gratifying from a Swiss point of view: with Sebastian Stalder (25), another Swiss Ski top scorer also has the chance to climb the podium.
SRF biathlon expert Matthias Simmen (51) thinks Hartweg keeps the blue jersey for the best youngster of the past races: “He not only has a very good success rate, but is also one of the fastest on the shooting range. And he is extremely consistent been this winter.” Hartweg can take the next step today to become the winner. In the individual race over 20 km from Östersund.
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
