Biathlon in Oberhof: Grotian back in squad, Kühn replaces Riethmüller

Selina Grotian is back in the German squad for the home World Cup in Oberhof after recovering from an illness. The 21‑year‑old said the sickness lasted longer than initially expected, but she has now been able to resume good preparation and has reclaimed her spot. Grotian replaces Julia Kink, who — like Danilo Riethmüller — will start in the IBU Cup, the German Ski Association (DSV) announced.

On the men's side Johannes Kühn is set for his first World Cup start of the season. The experienced Kühn and Lucas Fratzscher earned their recalls with strong performances in the IBU Cup, DSV sporting director Felix Bitterling said. They take the places of Danilo Riethmüller and Simon Kaiser; the DSV expects an "appropriate reaction" from those two in the IBU Cup.

The fourth World Cup stop of the winter opens on Thursday with the men's 10 km sprint; the women's sprint follows the next day. Results so far this season have been mixed for both men and women.

"Beyond the special home‑World‑Cup atmosphere and the expectations that go with it, the still open Olympic qualification is central," Bitterling said. For athletes who have not yet met the criteria, the Oberhof and Ruhpolding World Cups offer decisive opportunities. Typically the final team selections are made after the last race in Ruhpolding, ahead of the season's highlight in Italy in early February.

(Report based on dpa)