Italy is preparing to throw itself headlong into what is the third consecutive week of competitions in the biathlon World Cup. After the Austrian weekend in Hochfilzen, the Italian contingent moves to Le Grand Bornandwhere a huge crowd welcomes the maximum circuit. To have his say a few hours before the start of the dances is Jonne KähkönenFinnish coach of the Italian women’s team, who spoke to Giorgio Capodaglio, sent for Italian Fund in France, takes stock of the results of the last week and looks forward to the next races.
Looking at the results of Hochfilzen the balance on the women’s team is positiveconsidering that all six teams managed to qualify for the pursuit: “For the sprint and the pursuit I am happy because all the girls participated in the pursuit. For that I’m happy, while as far as the results are concerned they can do a little more, as always.”
As far as the competitions are concerned Le Grand Bornandwhich for women will open with the sprint on Friday 20 December, the coach underlines the tiredness accumulated in this last periodfull of commitments and competitions: “For this week I think all the girls are a little tired and for that we will have to do a good job. It’s the same for everyone, but for that very reason they will have to do a good job. Physically, but also mentally, to shoot with your head too.”
Then there is room for a judgment on some singles, starting with Martina Trabucchi, making her World Cup debut in the Hochfilzen races: “I’m happy because physically she is strong. Obviously last week was the first stage of the World Cup for her, so let’s see what this weekend will be like.” On Hannah Auchentaller’s performancegenerally precise at the shooting range and in search of the right condition on skis, Kähkönen concludes: “What if I expect growth in skiing from Hannah? Yes, I saw during the summer that the level is a little higher than last year. So let’s see. Could Lisa Vittozzi’s presence in Oberhof help all the others? Yes, I think so.”
