The German biathletes clearly missed the podium in another demonstration of power by superstar Johannes Thingnes Bö in the first race after the home World Championships. At the World Cup sprint in Nove Mesto, Roman Rees was the best DSV ski hunter in eighth place. Benedikt Doll finished twelfth. In Oberhof, the German men's team had remained without a World Cup medal for the first time since 1969.

High-flyer Bö, five-time world champion in Oberhof, dominated the race over 10 kilometers with zero shooting errors once again at will. The 29-year-old won 30 seconds ahead of his brother Tarjei Bö (0). The Norwegian quadruple triumph was completed by Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen (1/+1:15.2) and Endre Strömsheim (0/+1:17.9).

For Bö it was already the twelfth individual World Cup victory this winter, plus four successes with the relay. The overall World Cup can hardly be taken away from the Dominator. On Saturday, the pursuer over 12.5 kilometres will follow in Nove Mesto.

Rees (1 shooting error) then starts the race 1:27.4 minutes behind. Doll is 1:45.0 behind. The 32-year-old, who wants to continue in the coming season, missed a better starting position with two mistakes in the prone position. Justus Strelow (1/+1:55.8) finished 16th. Johannes Kühn, Philipp Nawrath and David Zobel did not make it into the top 20.