German duo narrowly miss the podium in Östersund Single Mixed Relay

Germany’s Marlene Fichtner (SC Traunstein) and Lucas Fratzscher (WSV Oberhof) delivered a strong performance in the single mixed relay at the Biathlon World Cup in Östersund, finishing fourth and missing the podium by 0.4 seconds.

Sweden delighted the home crowd with a commanding victory. Sebastian Samuelsson and Ella Halvarsson shot superbly and took the win ahead of Norway’s Sturla Holm Lægreid and Maren Kirkeeide (+19.1) and France’s Camille Bened and Fabien Claude (+37.3).

Shooting efficiency kept the German pair in contention throughout the fast‑paced format. Fratzscher hit 19/20 and Fichtner 18/20, for just three spares combined. After Fratzscher’s opening leg sent Fichtner out seventh at +7.9 seconds, Fichtner cleaned prone and needed one spare standing, losing some time at the range.

On the final exchange, Fratzscher trailed the top three by 19.8 seconds; the gap grew to around 30 seconds before Fabien Claude incurred a penalty loop in standing. A clean Fratzscher moved Germany into third, handing to Fichtner for the anchor. Under pressure, Fichtner used one spare in each bout and left the range alongside France’s Bened. The podium was decided on the finishing straight, where Bened prevailed as Fichtner stumbled slightly, leaving Germany fourth by four‑tenths.

Both Germans expressed satisfaction despite the near‑miss: Fichtner called fourth “super,” while Fratzscher said they were “absolutely satisfied.”

The Östersund program continues with: Women’s 15 km individual (Tuesday), Men’s 20 km individual (Wednesday), Women’s sprint (Friday), Men’s sprint (Saturday), and Men’s pursuit (Sunday).