Biathlon: “For this time of year, that’s real luxury”

Austria’s biathletes are in the hot phase of preparation for the season opener at the end of November in the far north. The first World Cup races are scheduled for November 29 in Östersund with two relays, and the internal qualifying races in Obertilliach will take place in a little over two weeks.

Training venues and conditions - The World Cup squads (Training Group 1) for women and men are in Vuokatti, Finland, until Thursday. Even with plus temperatures, the athletes have access to a 5‑kilometer snow loop, which Fabian Müllauer called “real luxury for this time of year.” Recent visitors there also included the Italian women’s team and the full Czech team, and the Finland Cup was held over the weekend. - Athletes training in Vuokatti include Fabian Müllauer, David Komatz, Fredrik Mühlbacher, Anna Gandler, Anna Andexer, and Lea Rothschopf.

Health updates and individual plans - Simon Eder skipped the Finland trip after having to withdraw from the Loop One Festival and then falling ill for a few days. He says he feels fit again, did a fast session on rollers in Hochfilzen, and plans to get back on snow this coming weekend in Obertilliach. - Julia Leitinger is training in Davos, Switzerland, with her husband Bernhard and reported fresh snowfall and strong motivation after past struggles with iron deficiency. She received support from friend Lisa Hauser, who was also in Davos with the Swiss women’s team.

Training Group 2 in Italy - TG2—featuring Lukas Haslinger (former overall Junior Cup winner), Oliver Lienbacher, Stefan Dankl, Thomas Marchl, Anna Millinger, Wilma Anhaus, and Dunja Zdouc—is training in Italy under new group coaches Simon Kastenhuber (men) and Hannes Kuppelwieser (women). - Kristina Oberthaler left the camp early as a precaution after a recurring cold and did not want to take risks at altitude.

What’s next - Austrian athletes will continue to log as many snow kilometers as possible before internal qualification races in Obertilliach and the World Cup opener in Östersund on November 29.