Among Henkel possible standard-bearer and underpants Stephan Germany biathlon ready for Sochi 2014

Biathlon: All news

Anterselva: All information

Sochi 2014: All news

Objectives, expectations and feelings of the German biathletes 11 (6 men and 5 women) present in Sochi 2014. Andrea Henkel is one of the likely candidates to act as a flag-bearer at the opening ceremony, while among men Christoph Stephan revealed to have a curious ritual specifically for each race.

Tuesday 4 February 2014 9 minutes reading time

Andrea Henkel: "Immediately after Anterselva we took a break from training before charging again. Nothing new, we do it before every big event. I hope to be in better shape because in this case the results will come as a result. Surely the ' 'individual is a race that suits my characteristics, but lately I've played the best competition in the sprint and pursuit in''.'' Also in the mass start only played did not go far from the podium, where instead we never got in the relay. Many say that I could be the bearer of Germany during the opening ceremony. would definitely be a great honor, but not for me to decide.'ll see what happens. " Simon Schempp: "Surely the results of Anterselva give me a great motivation also because I have always enjoyed high altitude. My goal will be to repeat the same level to see what you can get. Most likely will compete in the sprint and '' in pursuit, then the coaches will decide. Certainly I can leave in the mass start in the light of my position in the overall standings. Unfortunately I do not know the slopes of Sochi because last year there'' I was, but I know it will be very hard . We trained on the contrary taking a downhill track Ruhpolding in order to simulate a long climbs of Sochi. " Franziska Preuss: "I never thought at the beginning of the season to participate in the Olympic Games. Obviously I'm happy and I'm also confident because the state of the form of the'' whole team seems to be increasing.'m Sure it'' s enormous experience Andrea will be there'' s help because he has already started to give us a lot of advice. " Arnd Peiffer: "I'm ready for the Olympic Games. I feel good, I'm healthy and the latest results have been very encouraging. We prepared very well for Sochi, we went Ridnauntal'' where the altitude is more or less the same. The Olympic competitions are unique, but to avoid being overpower the tension you have to think about them in competitions such as all the others. Our strength is that it is a very balanced team, each of us has picked up a top-7 in season, so if someone were to get sick there will definitely be a backup that you can get a good result. " Laura Dahlmeier: "I always dreamed as a child to participate in the Olympic Games,'' a unique experience because it is the only time when athletes of all sports can live together. Paths of Sochi, with all the ups and descents, I like them.'ll give my best and we'll see what will come. I take as a good omen that the'' system'' where gareggeremo is called Laura.'' The success of Andrea Antholz motivates all of them because in training we are not far from his level. " Erik Lesser: "I hope to have fun in these Olympic Games and I'm sure I'll be very excited, but I want to do well in all the races I attend. Certainly will be very difficult to get on the podium, for this reason I'd be very happy if I had to pick a placing in the top 10. The slopes of Sochi are very attractive, but I hope to have something changed compared to last year''. C'' was a very fast descent with a sharp difficult to take. I hope we have worked and there is no more risk of accidents. " Franziska Hildebrand: "I'm in good shape and the'' I have shown in several races, so I'm pretty optimistic. I have a personal goal for these Olympic Games, but I will not reveal because I want to avoid to put too much pressure making proclamations." Andreas Birnbacher: "During the season I had several ups and downs that I struggle to explain. Surely I had some trouble shooting and I did some testing to see if I was wrong movements compared with last year, but the results showed that my technique is good. because I am so confident in Sochi in March 2013 I picked up a second place. " Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle: "It's my fourth appearance at the Olympics, but I'm living like a debut because it is my first appearance in the biathlon after three in the fund. Just the fact that I qualified me has lifted a great weight from the stomach because I realized that I have nothing to prove to anyone. much I've already won at the Olympics, so whatever were to come will be something gained.'' But it will be hard to match the excitement I felt for the '' gold in the relay in Salt Lake City in 2002 because it was something surprising and unexpected. " Daniel BÃ¶hm: "It seems almost unreal to be able to participate in the Olympic Games, it is a childhood dream come true'' d. I think I can deal with emotions as they are able to do so during my debut World Cup. technicians will not have an easy task in making choices for the relay because we have a team from the mean level very high, but as for me I got my best result of the season in a 20 km ". Christoph Stephan: "The Olympic qualification was something special especially in light of last year's results. Know that will compete in the sprint and possibly in pursuit'' and I hope to do better in Vancouver 2010. I already tried ' 'Games experience and I want to avoid the pressure to crush me, I will try to enjoy as much as possible'' atmosphere. Surely I will wear my underwear on race, in the sense that when I'm racing I'm always wearing the same pair. Rest assured, for years the work after each competition! "

Francesco Paone

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