Overview
- Germany arrives as the pacesetter, with Laura Nolte targeting Olympic gold after a run of overall titles and world championships.
- Teammates Lisa Buckwitz and Kim Kalicki pose the main threat to Nolte, though Buckwitz described a mixed preseason and plans to peak in February.
- Head coach René Spies flagged the technical demands of the upper section and stressed a priority on an injury-free campaign.
- U.S. veterans, including Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor, remain credible medal contenders noted by the German camp.
- Cortina’s track debuts this weekend after rapid construction despite earlier IOC objections, with initial test runs completed and results expected to hint at Olympic form.