Biathlon Champ Greis Roots for Rees to Keep the Yellow Jersey
Three-time Olympic medallist Michael Greis is hoping that Roman Rees can cling onto the yellow jersey as the overall World Cup leader for a few more days. Speaking to news outlets, Greis stated, "I sure hope he can hold onto it. It'd be great if he could make it last a few days longer."
However, Greis also acknowledged that defending the yellow jersey at this level is an entirely different challenge. "Well, it's a whole new ballgame once you're in contention for the overall World Cup leader. But I'd love for him to give it a shot," Greis said.
Rees clinched his first World Cup victory in Östersund, Sweden, and became the first German to don the prized yellow jersey since Greis claimed the same honor nearly 15 years ago. Greis also won the opening individual race back in 2008, but could only manage a 14th-place finish in the subsequent sprint, relinquishing the jersey to Norwegian Emil Hegle Svendsen. Since then, no German biathlete has managed to claim the yellow jersey.
A Powerful German Presence
Rees' victory in Östersund saw him finish ahead of his teammate, 2017 overall World Cup winner Johannes Thingnes Bö, and fellow German Justus Strelow. The triumph gave the team a remarkable boost and was cause for celebration according to sports director Felix Bitterling. "The yellow jersey has been a topic of good-natured joking in the lead-up to this weekend's race. It's an amazing achievement for Roman, and a tremendous boost for the team," Bitterling said.
Greis extended his well-wishes to Rees, commenting, "Roman's victory has certainly given him and the team a big confidence boost. Let's hope he can hang onto the jersey for a bit longer."
The Norwegian Bö, who won 19 races and won the World Championships last season, finished third in Östersund. Despite his incredible form, Greis does not give him an easy ride. "Bö is an incredible athlete, and he's had a fantastic run of form. Roman's victory was stunning, and it's no secret that Bö will be gunning for it," Greis pointed out.
Greis' Support for Rees
Rees will take on the sprint in Östersund next weekend while defending the yellow jersey. Greis remains optimistic about his chances, but acknowledges the challenge ahead. "Bö's run of form is nothing short of impressive. But Roman has shown he's more than capable of holding his own in this league," Greis said.
The German biathlon team enjoyed a successful outing in Östersund, with Franziska Preuß and Vanessa Voigt also placing well in the women's individual race. Greis is excited about the prospects of the German biathlon squad, saying, "Roman's victory has given us all a massive boost. I'm confident we can build on this and make our mark in the coming races."
As well as the yellow jersey, there are several other races scheduled in Östersund, including the women's relay, men's relay, and women's sprint. Greis urged the team to stay focused and continue to push each other, stating, "Now's not the time to take our foot off the gas. We need to keep pushing forward and see what else we can achieve."
Biathlon star Michael Greis has voiced his support for Roman Rees, who is currently leading the overall World Cup with the yellow jersey. Greis hopes that Rees can maintain his lead in the upcoming races and praised his team's performance in Östersund. Despite the formidable challenge posed by Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Bö, Greis remains optimistic about the German biathlon team's prospects in the upcoming events.
