The German Ski Association (DSV) officially announced its squad roster for the 2026/27 biathlon season on Wednesday. The men’s A-team has been reduced in size, with a new name earning promotion, while women’s athlete Johanna Puff has lost her spot in the top group for now.
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Johanna Puff is initially only part of the German B-team.
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Following most nations revealing their biathlon squads for the upcoming season in recent days, the DSV followed suit on Wednesday afternoon, presenting its rosters for next winter. The most significant changes come in the men’s A-team, which has shrunk compared to the previous year. Instead of eight athletes, only six now make the cut. Both Simon Kaiser and Roman Rees failed to secure a place and must settle for spots in the B-team for now. Additionally, the retired Johannes Kühn is no longer part of the lineup.
Taking his place is young talent Leonhard Pfund. The 22-year-old earned his way into the World Cup squad after the New Year and delivered such promising performances that he will now be given a permanent chance to prove himself at the top level.
Changes also occur in the women’s A-team, with two adjustments. Retired biathlete Franziska Preuß is no longer included, and Johanna Puff has been relegated to the B-team following her health issues and months-long absence last season. Meanwhile, Anna Weidel and Julia Kink have been promoted to the A-team.
The DSV emphasized that the respective training groups will work closely together during preparation. What concrete benefits this will bring for B-team athletes remains to be seen.
German Biathlon A-Team Overview:
Women: Janina Hettich-Walz, Vanessa Voigt, Julia Tannheimer, Selina Grotian, Julia Kink, Marlene Fichtner, Anna Weidel, Sophia Schneider
Men: Philipp Nawrath, Philipp Horn, Justus Strelow, David Zobel, Leonhard Pfund, Danilo Riethmüller
German Biathlon B-Team Overview:
Women: Hanna Kebinger, Johanna Puff, Alma Siegismund, Mareike Braun, Johanna Lehnung, Sophie Patz
Men: Lucas Fratzscher, Fabian Kaskel, Franz Schaser, Simon Kaiser, Elias Seidl, Roman Rees
