German Biathlon Team Begins Season with Youthful Lineup

Veteran athletes are sidelined as Germany opts for a younger team for the World Cup opener in Finland.

Germany's biathlon team has omitted some of its top athletes from the initial World Cup races, including Roman Rees, Sophia Schneider, and Hanna Kebinger.
Rees, previously a World Cup leader, missed out due to illness affecting his training, while Schneider and Kebinger will compete in the IBU Cup instead.
The women's team features young talents like Julia Tannheimer, Johanna Puff, and Selina Grotian, alongside experienced athletes Franziska Preuß and Vanessa Voigt.
Janina Hettich-Walz, a silver medalist at the World Championships, is absent due to her pregnancy.
Men's team selections include Johannes Kühn and Justus Strelow, with David Zobel earning his place through qualification and Danilo Riethmüller chosen by coaches.