Second place: Great Italian Men's Relay Team – Winter Sports

Lukas Hofer is at the top of his game. © Tissot / Tissot, Pierre

Together we are strong: this is perhaps the motto of the Italian biathlon men this season. The Italian team also reached the podium in the relay race during the World Cup held in Soldier Hollow (USA).

March 8, 2024

From: Del

3rd place in Oberhof and Ruhpolding. But now the Italian men's relay team is even better at the start of the World Cup in the USA. Patrick BraunhoferTommaso Giacomel, Didier Bionaz, and Luke Hoover He earned an outstanding second place finish on Friday. The Azzurri were only defeated by the Norwegians. Third place went to Germany.

This time Braunhofer was given the advantage over Elia Zinni and the Rednown native repaid the coach's trust. With only one spare, Braunhofer handed off to Giacomel in the fourth. The Trentino native, who recently made a mistake in the mixed relay in Oslo, showed a great race and led Italy to the top. Bionaz held this down until the standing stage before the Aosta native had to reload three times. In the end, Bionaz sent the last runner, Hoover, into the race in fourth place.

Men's relay podium with the Azzurri (left). © Visi

Hoover met the United States and Germany on his first tour. Pusterer only had to reload twice and started the last lap at the same time as Philipp Neurath. Hoover then unpacked all his class and experience. In the end, the South Tyrol driver beat North Tyrol on his home straight and celebrated his podium finish with his teammates. However, the Norwegians were not to be overcome, despite receiving three penalty kicks at the start.