Vittozzi and Laegreid’s Shooting Bring City Biathlon Wins

Vittozzi’s Standing Perfection seals Victory

Vittozzi, sealed her victory by cleaning the two standing stages while many of her rivals struggled with a shifting wind on a warm 25C afternoon. After cleaning the first standing with ease, the Italian’s lead was up to 30 seconds and with five more perfect shots, she cruised to a 45-second win.

With her second Wiesbaden victory after taking the title in 2019, she commented, “I really like this place. I remember the last time I was here. It was really amazing with all the people watching. It was a good day for me. I enjoyed the race, despite the warm weather.”

“Alone there is less pressure”

Regarding the solo last loop, she added, “Being alone there is less pressure. I enjoyed myself right to the finish. I am really happy about my race.”

Laegreid, “I know what it is like to be Johannes Boe”

Laegreid like Vittozzi won with great shooting, dominating the elite field. Leaving the last standing stage, he also had a 45-second margin on the field. However, the Norwegian enjoyed the last loop, high-fived fans along the way, dissipating his lead to less than ten seconds at the finish.

Elated with the win, “Now I know what it is like to be Johannes Boe: be in the front and wait for anyone to catch me. I shot clean and did very good biathlon today. I am super, super happy. We are just in August; it is 100 days to the season’s start and I still have a lot to work on, but the level is really high.”

“Under pressure I become even more focused”

Evaluating his summer training, Laegreid added, “I see myself where I want to be. I was a bit unsure after some sickness in the summer. The training diary does not have the most hours as I would like. I had some good sessions at our Blink camp. Now here in Wiesbaden the shape seems to be there and also the shooting. Under pressure I become even more focused.”

Rees’ Shaky Spare Shots

Germany’s Roman Rees, like his teammate Weidel finished second, a mere 7.2 seconds behind Laegreid. Rees. Looking strong and shooting well throughout the competition, struggled a bit in the last standing stage.. “Not nervous but more focused on hitting five shots. (After missing the last shot), I took down my rifle and realised it wasn’t a hit. Taking the spares then makes you kind of shaky; I lost my focus and it is hard to get back. I struggled to hit that last shot. (Still) It was really good training, because I had to do a last loop like in a World Cup race…It is like a show, but you want to do as well as possible. I am really satisfied with second place.”