Vysočina Arena is welcoming the world stars of biathlon, including the Czech ones
Number of world-class athletes including the Boe brothers, France’s Quentin Fillon Maillet (cover photo) or Dorothea Wierer of Italy have attended Tuesday’s training sessions. During the afternoon they had the chance to once again experience the unpredictable NMNM shooting range.
The Czech team stars such as Tereza Voborníková, Michal Krčmář or Jonáš Mareček, who started his biathlon career in Nové Město, were also present during the training.
Michal Krčmář: Noise canceling headphones for his little son
Krčmář finished fourth in the World Cup three years ago. At that time, Vysočina Arena could not welcome any spectators due to the pandemics. This time, plenty of fans are expected to support the athletes, including Krčmář’s closest ones – his girlfriend and their ten-month-old son Viktor.
“We’ve gotten him noise canceling headphones, so that he doesn’t get too upset, but we will see how long he will stay. The strollers are not permitted in the stadium and he is not used to being carried, so he might end up waiting for me at the hotel. After the WCH I managed to get some needed rest and by the end of last week I felt like I was ready to compete again. My expectations are not too high, I would like to retain my running shape from Oberhof and do great on the shooting range. This World Cup is the second peak of our season after the World Championships, but at the same time, it’s similar to all other stages when it comes to the scoring system. The whole season is long, so I’m looking forward to coming here, but I don’t really make any difference.”
Tereza Voborníková: Grandma’s home meals made me happy
Tereza is looking forward to her grand debut at the World Cup on home soil. She is coming to Nové Město encouraged by her career best – seventh place from the WCH Pursuit.
“I have never competed here before, only within the Czech Cup. When it comes to the World Cup, it will be completely new for me, I have never been here even as a fan. I’m looking forward to seeing all my family, friends and fans. After the WCH I have managed to recover pretty well. I have been training lightly and I am excited to see how this will show in the competition. When I arrived home, my grandmother cooked for me so I could enjoy my favorite tasty meals after Oberhof. We also went out for dinners. I am looking forward to competing, but I want to stay calm.”
Jonáš Mareček: My mum will come, which is a great succes
He grew up in the local sports club and now he will be competing in the World Cup in Nové Město for the first time. Jonáš Mareček feels the pressure of the moment.
“I’m really excited. I trained here before the biathlon boom started in the Czech Republic. There were only a few of us across all categories. My dad knew the coach Miloš Buchta and when he saw how much I enjoyed shooting he introduced me to biathlon. And that is where it all started for me. My parents were very supportive and they helped me a lot, I really appreciate it.
I am not sure how many fans will come, but my parents will. My mum doesn’t come very often, so it’s very special to have her here. I will try to stay calm. My goal is to make it to the Pursuit and overall shoot well.”
Foto: Jaroslav Svoboda
