Dorothea Wierer doesn’t hide: “We’ve taken a big weight off ourselves.”

Silver medal in the mixed relay in Oberhof

First joy for the Italian expedition to Oberhof for the biathlon world championships. The Italian quartet of Lisa Vittozzi, Dorothea Wierer, Didier Bionaz and Tommaso Giacomel won the silver medal in the mixed 4×6 relay. After the race, Italy’s four carriers spoke to official FISI channels.

“Honestly I was a little bit afraid before the start because I didn’t feel good when I woke up this morning, instead it went better than expected. The mixed relay quartet is very rejuvenated with our young guys, however on this occasion they proved to be really strong and mature despite their age. Now we are thinking about the next competition and the individual races which will be really tough. We have taken a good weight off our shoulders though, we will see on the way what we will be able to combine,” admitted Dorothea Wierer, the most experienced.

“To start The program with the mixed relay where we know we have very good chances is difficult, however it was fun race, we pushed well on the skis and personally I made two very good series. I like the track, this time it was important to break the ice and understand how best to handle the track, I think I did a good performance. The feelings are good, I am not yet at 100 percent of the form but I count to get there since the sprint,” Lisa Vittozzi followed her.

Then also spoke the two 2000 of the blue quartet namely Didier Bionaz: “Managing the performance in a team event is always difficult, I knew that Vittozzi and Dorothea would give me the change in the top positions, however I managed the situation well at the polygon by running a good fraction and we stayed in contact with the first nations. For me it is a great emotion to stand on the podium, it is those days you dream about since you are a child, and when they come true it is something special that rewards the work of these years. It is so important for the whole team to get off to a good start, we enjoy the first medal but we are already focused for the next few days.” and Tommaso Giacomel: “I am happy with my handling of the situation, to start such an important event with a team podium is fantastic, there were so many expectations and it is hard to keep them. I knew that Boe would pass me on the last lap, even if he took a penalty lap he would still catch me. I did my race, focusing on my performance, we are very satisfied.”