Biathlete Horn falls ill: No more races in Oberhof - Philipp Horn’s sudden illness shakes up Germany’s World Cup biathlon lineup
German biathlete Philipp Horn has withdrawn from upcoming races at the World Cup in Oberhof. The 30-year-old athlete fell ill with cold symptoms on Friday, forcing him to miss both the pursuit race and the final relay. His absence leaves the German team adjusting their line-up at short notice.
Horn competed in the 10-kilometre sprint earlier in the event, finishing seventh. He had planned to build on this result in Saturday’s pursuit race. But a viral infection worsened overnight, making competition impossible.
The official start lists for the men’s pursuit and Sunday’s relay still list Horn as a scheduled starter. No replacement has been named yet. Team officials have not confirmed which other German biathletes will step in if he remains unable to race. Horn’s withdrawal comes after he showed strong form in the sprint. His illness disrupts both his individual ambitions and Germany’s relay strategy for the weekend.
The German biathlon team must now rearrange their plans without one of their key athletes. Horn’s recovery timeline remains unclear, leaving his participation in future races uncertain. The pursuit and relay events in Oberhof will proceed with an adjusted line-up.
