Biathlon in Canmore

Anna’s big dream of dad’s (podium) tracks

The US Tour is getting her going: Anna Gandler was able to realize her big goal for the season last week in Soldier Hollow (USA) as well as on Thursday in Canmore (Canada), namely to secure a World Cup place at the Flower Ceremony. Now she has her sights set on the podium for the two competitions at the season finale!

"It's actually typical for me: the longer the season lasts, the better shape I get in!" And the 23-year-old Innsbruck native wants to make the most of it. "I didn't really think I'd finish in the top 6 in two races. That feels extremely good." With super equipment and an (unusually) strong final lap, Gandler was able to set her career highlight in the 7.5-kilometer sprint in Canada - despite a penalty loop. "It's clear that I now have to revise my big goal upwards."

It really was the perfect race in the sprint. Maybe I can repeat it in the pursuit!

Anna Gandler

Austria's current strongest biathlete is now aiming for the podium. According to the motto: in dad's footsteps! Because Markus Gandler finished third on the podium for the first time in his cross-country career in Canmore in 1989/90. "Of course, it would be a dream come true to be able to emulate him." The first opportunity is in the pursuit, which Gandler will tackle with just 27 seconds on the leader Lisa Vittozzi (Ita). "I have to keep working cleanly at the shooting range, then a lot is possible." The second will follow in the final mass start of the best 30 athletes in wintry Canmore. "I'm not putting any pressure on myself, a lot of things are coming easily at the moment."

Anna is currently a top skier.(Bild: EPA)

Her closest compatriot Lisa Hauser is under real pressure in the pursuit: only with an extreme improvement in performance and even greater improvement in rank (from 34th) would there still be a mini-chance of perhaps slipping into the field for the mass start. Otherwise her season would be over one race too early . . .