Drama about Erik Lesser – DSV men’s relay missed the podium

After starting runner Erik Lesser collapsed completely, the German men’s relay clearly missed the podium at the World Cup in Pokljuka.  The  veteran was later inconsolable – also because some of his teammates were brilliant.

 The  German biathletes clearly missed the targeted relay medal at the World Championships in Pokljuka. Because starting runner Erik Lesser collapsed completely, the DSV quartet was far behind early on.

From position 20 after Lesser’s race, Roman Rees, Arnd Peiffer and Benedikt Doll brought Germany to at least seventh place on Saturday and avoided the worst result in history. An eleventh place in November 2005 at the World Cup in Östersund is the weakest men’s relay result so far.

 The  championship victory was secured by the Norwegians, who after 4×7.5 kilometers relegated Sweden and the Russian team to the places. This means that the protégés of national coach Mark Kirchner only have individual silver from Peiffer in their account before the final mass start on Sunday, when only Peiffer and Doll are there.

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 The re is no medical explanation. He is physically fine,” said team doctor Jan Wüstenfeld on ZDF after speaking with Lesser. And Peiffer said: “It happens, of course it’s a shame when it happens at the climax. I’m sorry for Erik. It really means suffering, mentally and physically.”