Gandler's spot in doubt? ÖSV announces squad for World Cup opener

The biathletes will kick off the season in Kontiolahti in just over two weeks. There are a few (minor) surprises in both the men's and women's squads.

Source text: © LAOLA1

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The new Biathlon World Cup season kicks off on November 26 at exactly 4:15 p.m. with the men's individual race in Kontiolahti, Finland.

About two and a half weeks ahead of time, the ÖSV has announced its squad for the opening World Cup weekend. Following this year's rebuild, the selection includes a few minor surprises.

Gandler's starting spot (not yet) guaranteed

In the women's team, established athletes Anna Andexer, Anna Juppe, Tamara Steiner, veteran Dunja Zdouc, and youngster Lara Wagner have secured their places.

However, there is still a small question mark over Anna Gandler, who was awarded a designated starting spot by coach's decision. The 25-year-old was unable to compete in the internal qualification races in Vuokatti due to illness and "must prove her current form in the upcoming test races in Geilo (NOR)," according to the ÖSV press release.

Experienced Dunja Zdouc, on the other hand, did just that in impressive fashion, winning both races (sprint, short individual) in Vuokatti.

Veteran Jakob misses out on World Cup team

The men's squad, meanwhile, is locked in. It is led by Dominic Unterweger, who, like Zdouc, comes off a strong pre-season crowned by two victories in Vuokatti. The team is completed by Lukas Haslinger, Thomas Marchl, Fredrik Mühlbacher, and promising talent Fabian Müllauer.

Somewhat surprisingly, Patrick Jakob (30), who was largely established on the World Cup circuit last year, failed to make the cut. He will start his season in the IBU Cup in Idre Fjäll (SWE).

First Obertilliach, then Kontiolahti

The allocation of World Cup starting spots was based on clearly defined qualification criteria. The results of the two Austrian Roller Ski Championship events in Lohnsburg accounted for one-third, while the two internal qualification races in Vuokatti accounted for one-third each of the overall standings.

Before the team kicks off the new season, one final joint training block in Obertilliach is on the agenda. "Overall, a squad of six women and five men is planned for the World Cup opener in Kontiolahti, with each athlete expected to compete in at least one race. The current qualification applies initially only to the first World Cup stop," the ÖSV concluded in its release.

Pichler: "Team is well prepared"

"The men and women really didn't make it easy for us during the selection process. We saw very tight races and many strong performances, making several decisions extremely close," reported discipline head Christoph Sumann. He stressed that it was important to those in charge that "qualification followed clear and transparent guidelines and that all athletes were given equal opportunities."

Biathlon coordinator Wolfgang Pichler was also pleased: "We were able to make excellent use of the past two and a half weeks in Vuokatti. The team is well prepared, but now the key is to stay focused, complete the final training block in Obertilliach in the best possible way, and above all, stay healthy," said the man tasked with guiding Austria's biathlon department back to the world's elite in the long term.