The City Biathlon in Dresden once again delivered a spectacular sporting event: Tereza Voborníková and Justus Strelow both claimed their first victories. Biathlonworld was there, capturing it all from behind the scenes, too, allow us to take you along for the ride.

We get the day off to a leisurely start. Dresden city centre is deserted on a Sunday morning; the air is clear and fresh. There’s no sign of the hustle that will be in the stadium a few hours later. The athletes are having porridge for breakfast, going for a morning run or filming videos for social media with the IBU team. Vítězslav Hornig is in Dresden for the first time. “I’m already excited. I’ve heard quite a bit about the atmosphere in Dresden and I’m keen to see what’s in store for me.” A few fans have gathered outside the hotel to get a photo or an autograph from their idols.

Off to the stadium

On the way to the stadium, we take a look at the course. Then we carry on touring the stadium and explore all the routes. What’s where, and how do I get there? For the athletes, too, this is part of their competition preparation. The stands are slowly filling up. As there is also a junior competition, junior and senior athletes mingle during the zeroing. Lukas Tannheimer from Germany is shooting up on lane one, with Sturla Holm Laegreid positioned right next to him. The athletes are more relaxed than they would be at a World Cup race. They keep taking the time to chat with fans or exchange a few words with competitors or coaches. After the qualifying race, they try to recover amidst the hustle of the stadium. Vitalii Mandzyn is lying relaxed on a training mat in the changing room, scrolling through his smartphone.

Many former athletes have also come to Dresden. Anais Bescond is now the coach of the French Para team and has the special task of ringing a bell to signal the final lap of the women’s race. Erik Lesser is here as a junior coach, cheering on his athletes before the competition. Michael Rösch is in charge of the stadium entertainment.

New coaching experience

Lotte Lie and Laegreid have some very special support during the competition. Both have their mums with them, who have stepped in to take on the coaching role. Lisa Vittozzi is also giving it a go on the other side. She’s pointing out Lukas Hofer’s hits to him. And the children of some biathlon stars are also enjoying watching their parents up close at the competition.

The atmosphere is lively all day long. Some fans have made posters; for example, in one section of the stadium it reads ‘Justus Strelow scores more accurately than the weather forecast’, whilst a large banner featuring Sturla’s face is repeatedly caught on camera. The crowd gets particularly loud when Strelow enters the final lap in the lead. Over 4,000 spectators are celebrating; the DJ plays ‘Stand Up’ and the crowd chants ‘Justus, Justus!’.

Awards ceremony with special observations

Following his victory, Strelow is swept up in a flurry of congratulations. Everywhere he goes, he is hugged, congratulated and smiles for the cameras. On the winners’ podium, however, there is someone missing alongside him and the runner-up, Eric Perrot. Lukas Hofer had to jump straight into a taxi after the race to catch his flight to Italy. Instead, Tereza Vobornikova, Anna Gandler and Lisa Vittozzi celebrated together. For the young Czech, it was a double cause for celebration: she has just completed her Master’s degree. But the outfit of the day goes to junior Lukas Tannheimer, who is wearing shoes inspired by the film “Cars” during the prize-giving ceremony.

Half an hour after the medal ceremony, the stadium has fallen silent once more. The fans have said their goodbyes, and the athletes are on their way home. Strelow is still sitting in the press conference room, scrolling through his smartphone. It seems as though he is enjoying these quiet moments. We bid farewell to Dresden with a wealth of memories in our minds.

Photos: Yevenko/IBU, Gerth/IBU