Christmas with kisses, cooking and... the Grinch: Italy's biathletes under the tree

After four consecutive weeks of competition — during which Italy collected several satisfactions — the country's World Cup biathletes are finally taking a deserved break. The top international circuit resumes in Oberhof (Germany) on January 8. For now the athletes are resting and spending time with loved ones.

Tommaso Giacomel, fresh from his mass start victory in Le Grand Bornand, said he is looking forward to Christmas with his girlfriend Elisa and his family in Primiero: “I’ll spend as much time as possible with her and my family. I’ll rest and then get back to training.” Giacomel also revealed that his favourite past-time is baking and that last year Elisa gave him a dough mixer — his best gift ever.

Lisa Vittozzi and Dorothea Wierer are taking a similar approach. Vittozzi: “I’ll be in Sappada with my family and I’ll try not to go out much — it’s important not to get sick.” Wierer: “Finally I can be at home with my husband Stefano in Val di Fiemme. After a month away I need a pause to recharge before training again.”

Both athletes admitted they are not the biggest Christmas fans: Vittozzi joked she’s a bit of a Grinch and that being home is the best present; Wierer said she prefers to surprise with gifts later and mentioned that a Thermomix (Bimby) is her favourite kitchen-related present. The piece closes noting the team will return to competition in Oberhof on January 8.

(Photo captions: Dorothea Wierer on the Le Grand Bornand pursuit podium; Tommaso Giacomel crossing the finish with an Italian flag; Lisa Vittozzi competing in the Le Grand Bornand sprint.)