The ski conditions in Oberhof, Germany, were widely criticized by several biathletes this Thursday, while Martin Fourcade had already complained on X (ex-Twitter) on Wednesday: “How many years of spreading artificial snow ( produced in a giant refrigerator) on soggy ground is necessary to respect its environmental commitments? Perhaps it is time to choose a place that corresponds to our times. »
On the other hand, Norwegian biathletes also complained about the ski conditions in Germany, as reported by the Norwegian media NRK: “These are perhaps the worst conditions I have ever seen in Oberhof,” said Johannes Thingnes Bø, World Cup leader. Endre Strømsheim, very upset, affirmed his compatriot’s words on the microphone of the same Norwegian media: “It’s disgusting. These are absolutely insane conditions to train in. At least it’s a record for me. Worst training day ever. » “It’s cold and wet, it’s really wet,” added Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, 3rd in the general classification this season, again according to NRK.
The German site is renowned for its particularly low altitude (800 meters) and its sometimes very windy conditions. This site is bearing the brunt of the consequences of climate change and survives thanks to its artificial, cultured snow, produced in a refrigerated tunnel located a few meters from the slope. For Strømsheim, the snow would be composed “50-50 of sawdust, snow, earth and stones. »
The race will be held on Friday, but under what conditions? The Norwegian big names, who dominate the general ranking this season, will try to ignore these conditions to maintain their domination in the general ranking (6 Norwegians among the 7 best biathletes in the ranking this season). Among the women, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, current leader of the general classification ahead of the Norwegian Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, will try to keep her place with another good result after her double success in Lenzerheide (sprint, pursuit) before the Holidays.
