Positive World Cup conclusion after feat of strength: "This classic belongs in the competition program"
Despite the capricious weather in the run-up to the competitions, the organizers of the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2024 in Oberhof draw a positive conclusion. The joint effort to successfully stage the six races has paid off. 53,000 euphoric spectators followed the sprints, pursuits and relays at the Grenzadler and created a goosebump atmosphere in the ARENA am Rennsteig and along the course. Millions of viewers tuned in on the TV sets. This is not the only reason why the Oberhof World Cup is indispensable from an expert's point of view.
"I can hardly imagine any other place where such a feat of strength and implementation would have been possible under these conditions," said DSV President and IBU Board Member, Dr. Franz Steinle. The head of the DSV was not sparing with words of praise for the organizers: "The weather conditions here in Oberhof were extremely difficult. This makes the praise and appreciation for the work of the organizers and the many helpers all the greater. The location is of enormous importance not only for biathlon, but also for Nordic skiing. The Biathlon World Cup is a classic that simply belongs in the competition program."
DSV biathlete Philipp Horn, who took silver with the men's relay team at the end of the BMW IBU Biathlon 2024 World Cup in Oberhof, had clear words to say. "It's an incredible feeling to come into this packed stadium. The atmosphere here and also at Birx is deafening and simply unique," said the 29-year-old local hero and added: "Oberhof can be very nice, just not in the first week of the calendar. I couldn't quite understand the grumbling in the run-up to the event. Instead, we should pay tribute to the organizers and helpers for what they have put together here."
The Oberhof team can't rest for long, as the next sporting highlight at Grenzadler is already on the horizon with the Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup (January 19-21, 2024).