Biathlon World Cup Champion Withdraws from Munich Season Opener Due to Hand Injury

Franziska Preuß won’t line up at the start of the Loop One Festival in Munich after her hand injury recovery forced her to postpone her season debut — though the German biathlete remains upbeat about the winter ahead.

-It’s really a pity that I can’t be part of the Loop One Festival premiere, said Preuß.

- I had really been looking forward to it, because I’m sure the atmosphere in the Olympic Park will be unique. Unfortunately, the competition comes about two weeks too early for me to be back at full strength. Overall, though, I’m very happy with how my preparation for the season has gone — and my hand has improved a lot in recent weeks, so I’m looking forward to the winter with confidence.



Preuß fell in late September and subsequently underwent surgery on her left hand. According to the German Ski Association (DSV), her recovery has been progressing well, but she is still unable to perform the standing shooting position in her usual way, which rules out competitive participation for now.

Originally named to Germany’s lineup for the event, Preuß will be replaced by Anna Weidel. Meanwhile, Marlene Fichtner will also miss the Munich races due to illness, with Selina Kastl taking her place on the team.

The Loop One Festival, making its debut this year, brings biathlon, music, and sport together in Munich’s iconic Olympic Park, where top national and international athletes will compete on roller skis in a city-center spectacle.

The Loop One Festival takes place on Sunday, October 19. The Biathlon World Cup season then begins in Östersund, Sweden at the end of November.

Source: German Ski Association (DSV)