BIATHLON STARS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO NOVÉ MĚSTO NA MORAVĚ
In the past years, Nové Město na Moravě won hearts of both biathlon fans and the athletes, too, and the cream of world’s biathletes, such as Johannes Thingnes Bø, Kaisa Mäkäräinen or Dorothea Wierer are very much looking forward to the next event of the biathlon World Cup at Vysočina.
Johannes Thingnes Bø, the current leader of the World Cup among men, will feel like gladiators might have felt in the past. “Nové Město is one of the most favourite venues of mine. You feel like in an arena for gladiators there – nowhere else have I heard such noise, not even in Germany. I always look forward to racing there, but I also want to be back home for Christmas as soon as possible, so I will race as hard as I can to finish first and ride home.”
Kaisa Mäkäräinen was the very first winner of the World Cup event in Nové Město na Moravě in the 2011/12 season. “I am looking forward mainly to fans who create atmosphere that I consider absolutely unique. Honestly speaking, I do not like the track too much, though. The longer one is fine but the shorter ones are way too easy for me,” the Finnish racer said. Well, that was before she had a chance to try the innovated track…
Dorothea Wierer, the leading woman in the World Cup, became a three-time junior category world champion in 2011. “I have lovely memories to Nové Město na Moravě. A lot of spectators found their way to Vysočin Aréna two years ago, and I think it was one of the best events of the World Cup. I am convinced that it will be as great this year, too.”
Jakov Fak has always achieved great results in NMNM. “I am looking forward to the World Cup races in Nové Město na Moravě a lot. It is one of my favourite venues, and it is mainly thanks to Czech fans who are always numerous and support every racer, regardless of his or her nationality. I like the track and all things related to racing here; well, no wonder, as it was here that I got to the podium of World Championships, and achieved my first winning double in the World Cup.”
Vysočina Arena mesmerized Benedikt Doll of Germany, too. “Nové Město is one huge biathlon party. As far as the number of spectators is concerned, it cannot be compared to any other event in the whole World Cup series. Seriously, you get goose bumps when you skate into the stadium and the view of stands packed with people opens in front of you. It has always been great fun to race here.”
Last time the World Cup series was hosted by Nové Město na Moravě, Susan Dunklee celebrated bronze medal. “Kudos to Czech fans who are great, NMNM is one of my most favourite places. There are people everywhere. Families, kids… all oozing with enormous energy. I love to race in Nové Město na Moravě.”
