Biathlon World Cup race – men's 10 km sprint, March 2, 2023 Nové Město na Morava, Žďársko. Czech representative Michal Krčmář.
Nové Město na Moravě (Žďársko) – Biathlete Michal Krčmář confirmed his role as the Czech number one in the sprint of the home World Cup in Nové Město na Moravě and, after finishing 13th, praised the support of the fans, who were able to return to the stands for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. In front of 15,800 spectators, he made one mistake on the shooting range, and he was about half a minute behind the third Nor Vetle Sjaestad Christiansen at the finish line. The native of Vrchlabí told journalists that he is all the more looking forward to Saturday's pursuit race, which should take place in an even stormier setting.
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Photo gallery: Biathlon SP in Nové Město
“I am satisfied with the performance. I gave my absolute best on the track, the spectators cheered me on. Unfortunately, there was a small mistake lying down on the shooting range, but that happens sometimes,” said Krčmář .
Although there was no wind at the shooting range, there were many mistakes in the race. Krcmář attributed it mainly to the challenging track. “It definitely takes energy, and as a person is more tired, they shoot worse. The second factor can be that when the weather is good, someone can underestimate it. They think that everything is ideal and make a mistake. There are more possibilities,” the thirty-two-year-old pointed out representative.
Although he was worried before the start about how he would be able to recover after the World Cup, he admitted that he said it for inner peace. “I played it a little in myself so that I didn't have high expectations of myself. I was tired, but I made a small crutch in myself so that I had a clearer head and it was easier to handle the race,” Krčmář explained with a smile. “The reality was normal. It wasn't an extra famous race, but it was definitely a better standard this season,” added the native of Vrchlabí.
Krčmář lost three seconds in the top ten. But that did not take away his satisfaction with the race. “Ten is always nice and it's a little sad. However, I'm not evaluating the result, but my feeling. Today I gave my best and I'm satisfied with what I performed,” he evaluated.
The innkeeper was chased by the fans all the time. With their support, he rose to an even more intense finish on the finish line. “I'm really glad they were able to come back after the break. They're incredible and I'm glad they're coming back in such numbers. And it's Thursday, which is a working day. It's definitely going to be something incredible on Saturday. I'm really looking forward to it and I thank everyone,” recounted Krčmář.
He himself had his parents, girlfriend Romana and son Viktor in the audience. “Plus, about 20 other people from my circle are connected to them every day. I learn about other acquaintances gradually, so the support is great. I'm happy,” said Krčmář.
Thirteenth place is also a promise for him for Saturday's pursuit race. “It's half a minute from the third Christiansen, which is one shot. It's balanced and open,” he reflected.
Only Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Bö, who also won the sixth sprint of the season, will be bounced back. At the start, he will have a lead of thirty-four thirds ahead of his brother Tarjei. “Hats off to him. He has such a dominant season this year that I have never experienced anything so bright in my career. Moreover, it's not just him – the entire Norwegian team is perfectly prepared. They don't give others much of a chance, and if at all, only a little,” Krčmář added.< /p>
