Hochfilzen once again enjoyed a lively Biathlon World Cup weekend with numerous fans. However, the sporting conclusion from an Austrian perspective is mixed.

With perfect weather, around 7,500 fans, and more than 1,000 children who attended the Schools Day event, Hochfilzen kicked off the compact World Cup weekend under optimal conditions. In total, the organizers counted about 25,000 spectators at the end of the 3-day Biathlon weekend. No wonder the atmosphere was as great among the visitors as it was among the organizing team led by event director Franz Berger. Both the races and the Biathlon party in the town center were filled with lively energy. "We were able to provide excellent conditions for both the athletes and the spectators and media, and we can be proud of the work we've done. We were able to send beautiful winter images around the world, promoting Hochfilzen and the region," summed up event director Franz Berger. Especially at the beginning of the winter season, biathlon fans give the region a significant boost, and the TV images and extensive media coverage help maintain demand, particularly in the core market of Germany. Accordingly, TVB Chairman Markus Kogler also positively assesses the significance of the World Cup for the region and beyond.

Mixed sporting results

The sporting results, however, were quite mixed from an Austrian perspective. While Anna Andexer celebrated an impressive 26th place finish in her World Cup debut, securing the best Austrian result, the overall performance of the rest of the team was rather disappointing. Anna Gandler and Lisa Hauser qualified for the pursuit in 26th and 34th place but were not satisfied with their performances. A similar story among the men, where only Simon Eder, as the best Austrian, qualified for the following events in 35th place, and Felix Leitner in 42nd place.

In the pursuit race, only Lisa Hauser managed a significant improvement. The Kitzbühel native gained 19 positions and finished the race in an excellent 15th place. In the relay races on Sunday, the Austrian women's team, with Dunja Zdouc, Anna Gandler, Anna Andexer, and Lisa Hauser, finished 13th. The men's relay team, consisting of David Komatz, Simon Eder, Felix Leitner, and Frederik Mühlbacher, finished in 14th place.

Alle Fotos: OK Hochfilzen / Weigl