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One day after the German men's relay just barely missed the podium and the final runner Benedikt Doll even saw stars at the finish line, there was still reason to cheer for the team in Antholz: The women's quartet, consisting of Vanessa Hinz, Janina Hettich, Denise Herrmann and Franziska Preuss - stormed into second place behind Russia and ahead of France at the World Cup dress rehearsal.

The day before, Preuss had to be content with fourth place in the mass start race - now she celebrated as the final runner with her teammates at the finish.

The fact that victory was possible until shortly before the end did not dampen the mood.

"We are definitely in World Cup form," said Herrmann.

"Let's hope that we can take the momentum with us." For the women, the Antholz relay was the last race before the World Championships in Pokljuka (Slovenia) from February 10 to 21.

A week ago they celebrated their first season win of the season with the same line-up in Oberhof.

In the end it was a tough fight in Antholz: Preuss came to the last shooting at the same time as the Russian, the French a little behind.

But the Germans found it hard to breathe, and their legs wobbled.

"Then came the sewing machine," she said later.

There was praise from ZDF expert Sven Fischer.

Because Preuss still kept his nerve in the important role of the final runner.

"To get out of this shooting with only one spare load despite the sewing machine," said the Olympic champion, "that's strong."

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Preuss started the final round 8.6 seconds behind the Russian and about five seconds ahead of the French.

It wasn't enough for a successful race to catch up, but she held second place.

With a total of only six spare rounds, the Germans also showed good shooting performance.

Last chance for Rees

The men's mass start (ZDF and Eurosport) continues at 3:05 p.m.

Roman Rees wants to be the fourth German biathlete to buy the ticket for the World Cup.

To do this, he has to make it into the top eight - not an easy undertaking for the 27-year-old from the Black Forest in the last men's race before the title fights.

The former world champions Arnd Peiffer, Erik Lesser and Benedikt Doll, with whom Rees narrowly missed the relay podium on Saturday, are already qualified.