Sebastian Stalder talks Biathlon World Cup in his hometown and his goals

Sebastian Stalder has been the most consistent Swiss biathlete for many years. What he still lacks is a podium finish among the world's elite. The Zurich native hopes he can finally do it this season – preferably at home in Lenzerheide at the World Cup.

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The biggest highlight: Swiss biathletes will host the World Championships in their home country this winter. From February 12th to 23rd, the best people who can combine cross-country skiing and shooting will compete on the biathlon arena outside the village of Lantsch/Lenz.

Sebastian Stalder is also looking forward to the highlights of the season. But he doesn't want to set any specific goals yet, and for good reason: “It's so difficult before the season starts. You don't know what shape you are in yet.” After the first game, he can be more specific about his goals. Still, Stade is optimistic about the new season, which starts in Finland on November 30: “We added additional interval training units in the summer and I'm improving technically again.”

Sebastian Stalder and Niklas Hartweg thanked the crowd at Lenzerheide.Image: trapezoid

The Zurich native now lives in Albany GR and will be hoping to gain home advantage from the home fans in Lenzerheide. “Family and friends who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend the World Cup will be in attendance,” Stade said happily. This was already the case at last season's World Cup in the same venue. “There were a lot of friends there and a lot of Swiss fans who had red flags. Of course, that pushed us.”

The Swiss certainly knew Lenzerheide's routes and shooting ranges better than their competitors. Still, Stade doesn't see this as a huge advantage: “In biathlon, conditions can change quickly with the wind, especially at the shooting range. So no matter how many shots you take there It doesn’t matter.”

Stader knew the shooting range in Lenzerheide well.Image: KEYSTONE

Ultimately, biathlon is won or lost by your legs as much as your mind. “It's definitely more than 50 percent in your head,” Stade said. Of course, nothing works without legs, but you can force yourself to use your head to push yourself to or beyond your limits, even if it hurts. “It’s amazing what the body can handle,” the Solomon athlete explained with a smile.

On the shooting range, the head is also crucial – even though, ironically, it shouldn't come into play. “Ideally, you’re shooting with nothing in your mind, or at most just the rhythm of the shot,” said the 26-year-old, who makes his own rifle stocks. But it’s extremely difficult not to think about anything. “Especially when you’re hitting all the balls and then taking that last shot,” Stade added. He barely remembers his best games because he was so in the tunnel.

The Zurich native was introduced to winter sports through his parents. “They’re very passionate about Bachtel Ski Club,” Stade explains. Cross-country skiing began long before shooting, and he didn’t start practicing until he was twelve. Still, he was naturally fascinated by the shooters at the Paris Summer Olympics. Could he imagine it? “I’d love to see how I would perform using their equipment.”

Stade still doesn't believe he'll one day compete in the Summer Olympics: “It's a completely different sport.” The goal for a sports shooter is always to hit ten, while for a biathlete it's just to clear the target question, whether the hit is on the edge or not. “Professional shooters are definitely a little more talented than us.”

Then there’s the Biathlon World Championships in your own country.