Biathlon in Hochfilzen – Austria’s home World Cup ends without success

Austria’s biathlon team struggled at its home World Cup weekend in Hochfilzen, falling short despite brilliant weather and strong crowds of 26,000.

In the women’s pursuit, Anna Gandler climbed 11 places but finished only 37th after two penalty loops. “I’m really disappointed. I put too much pressure on myself and couldn’t deliver,” the Tyrolean said, adding she is still far from her best form and will keep working toward improvement. The circuit now moves to Annecy, France, next weekend.

Lisa Vittozzi (ITA) won the women’s pursuit from 14th on the grid with perfect shooting, finishing ahead of Anna Magnusson (SWE) and Maren Kirkeeide (NOR). There were no World Cup points for Austrians Anna Andexer (47th) or Anna Juppe (50th).

Recent Östersund winner Lisa Hauser endured a difficult home weekend, incurring five penalty loops in the pursuit and matching her sprint result in 41st. “You have to pick out the positives—my skiing was good—even if I would have liked to show more,” Hauser said.

In the men’s relay, Austria ran in the top eight after Dominic Unterweger, Simon Eder and David Komatz, but anchor Fabian Müllauer suffered three standing penalty loops, dropping the team well down the order to 14th. “It really hurts not to repay the trust,” said the 22‑year‑old, who has been strong on skis but struggling at the range. Coach Markus Fischer urged patience, noting they are working to help Müllauer stay calm and not force things. Norway dominated the relay with only three spare rounds, ahead of France and Sweden. Austria’s women’s relay finished eighth.

Overall, the Austrians left Hochfilzen without a top‑15 in four individual events and modest relay results, hoping to rebound before the holidays in Annecy.