Biathlon star Franziska Preuss withdraws from Munich’s Loop One festival after hand surgery

Germany’s overall World Cup winner Franziska Preuss will skip the premiere of the Loop One festival in Munich’s Olympic Park. According to the German Ski Association (DSV), the 31‑year‑old was not fit in time after hand surgery and cannot yet perform standing shooting in her usual hand position.

Preuss said the decision was “really a pity,” as she had been looking forward to the unique atmosphere in the Olympic Park, but the competition “comes about two weeks too early” for a full‑gas return to the start line. She nonetheless reported being “very satisfied” with her preseason and that her hand has progressed well since the operation.

The injury occurred in September following a crash at the German Championships at Arber. Despite the setback, Preuss looks “with great confidence” toward the Olympic winter.

For the Munich ski‑roller event, Anna Weidel will replace Preuss. Selina Kastl also steps in for the ill Marlene Fichtner. The DSV women’s squad will include Selina Grotian and Janina Hettich‑Walz, while the men’s lineup features Philipp Nawrath, Lucas Fratzscher, Roman Rees, and Justus Strelow.