Overview

• Preuß enters the Olympic winter as the reigning overall World Cup champion, with the season set to open in late November in Östersund.
• Michael Greis says Preuß is now the team’s focal figure who “has to carry the whole backpack,” warning that intense expectations can be burdensome.
• Greis argues last season’s success will not carry over, stressing that the Games are the priority and the globe is “checked off.”
• He assesses Germany’s women as relatively stable, while describing the men’s squad as still in a small transition and seeking a consistent race winner.
• Greis notes the retirement of Norway’s Bø brothers removes a recent dominator and could tighten the international field.