Surprising World Cup exit for German biathlon ace: "Some values cause headaches"

Antholz (Italy) - After the absences of Vanessa Voigt (27) and Julia Tannheimer (19) due to illness, the German biathlon team has now also suffered a setback in the men's event. For Danilo Riethmüller (25), the World Cup in Antholz is over before it has even begun.

Danilo Riethmüller (25) has to take it easy and will not be able to compete at the World Cup in Antholz.
Danilo Riethmüller (25) has to take it easy and will not be able to compete at the World Cup in Antholz.  © Sven Hoppe/dpa

As the DSV announced on Instagram late on Wednesday evening, the man from Blankenburg has health problems, which is why he is being spared.

"For Danilo, it's about avoiding the risk of overloading. He has undergone various examinations in the last few days and some of the results have given us a headache in that it would be a risk that should not be underestimated to let him start here at altitude," explained sporting director Felix Bitterling.

Riethmüller will therefore go to Ridnaun (Italy) for "adapted training". In return, David Zobel (28) will be able to compete in the World Cup again; he originally wanted to prepare in Ridnaun for the European Championships, which will take place from January 29 to February 2 in Martello, Italy.

For the German team and Riethmüller, the absence is bitter, but understandable. The 25-year-old has taken part in all five World Cups so far, competing in Kontiolahti (Finland), Hochfilzen (Austria), Annecy (France) and the two home World Cups in Oberhof and Ruhpolding.

David Zobel celebrated a brief World Cup comeback in Ruhpolding and can now also compete in Antholz

David Zobel (28) will replace Riethmüller in Italy.
David Zobel (28) will replace Riethmüller in Italy.  © Sven Hoppe/dpa

His best result was second place in the mass start in Annecy and third place with the relay team in Ruhpolding.

David Zobel was part of the DSV team at the opening event in Kontiolahti, but then had to return to the second-class IBU Cup. In Ruhpolding, he was able to celebrate a brief comeback to the World Cup in the individual event, finishing in 43rd place.

"I'm proud of myself for fighting my way back after a difficult start to the season and recommending myself for the World Cup again with good performances in the IBU Cup. My shooting rate has stabilized and is on the right track. But not scoring any World Cup points with 90% in a single is simply disappointing," he wrote disappointedly after his performance in Ruhpolding.

In Antholz he will now have another chance to convince the coaches. Only four women will be competing in the women's event. The sprint is already on the program this Thursday (2:30 pm).