Uros Velepec has stepped down as head coach of the German men’s biathlon team, a decision announced by the German Ski Association. This move follows discussions aimed at improving team dynamics ahead of the 2026 Olympics. Tobias Reiter is set to succeed him. Velepec cited the need for a fresh approach after underwhelming performances, particularly at the World Championships, and acknowledged the challenges faced with shooting techniques and competitive running against stronger teams.
Uros Velepec Steps Down as Biathlon Men’s Head Coach
Uros Velepec, the head coach for the German men’s biathlon team, has formally requested to be relieved of his coaching duties immediately. This announcement was made public through a recent press release from the German Ski Association (DSV). Following in-depth discussions, both Velepec and the DSV leadership have mutually agreed to ‘utilize the remaining three weeks of the World Cup to implement necessary changes in preparation for the upcoming Olympic season.’ Tobias Reiter, who previously coached the German women’s team from 2014 to 2018 and was most recently the head coach of the men’s team in the IBU Cup, is poised to take over Velepec’s role.
A Thoughtful Decision for Future Success
Velepec clarified that ‘this is not a spontaneous decision and is only partially related to our performance at the World Championships.’ He expressed that despite higher expectations during the competition in Lenzerheide, the team has not achieved the desired performance levels. ‘With more time, I believe we could work through this challenging situation. However, as head coach, I feel a sense of responsibility in both the short and medium term. Thus, I believe a fresh perspective and perhaps a new communication style are essential for success as we approach the 2026 Olympic Games. The sooner this change occurs, the better.’
Velepec’s decision came after some controversy at the Biathlon World Championships, particularly regarding his choice not to include Justus Strelow in the men’s relay team, which raised eyebrows given Strelow’s prior achievements. When the relay team, featuring Philipp Nawrath, Philipp Horn, Johannes Kühn, and Danilo Riethmüller, secured a bronze medal, it seemed to validate Velepec’s choice. Nevertheless, the timing of his departure has caught many by surprise.
The Need for a New Shooting Strategy
Since taking over as the national coach for the men’s team in 2023, Velepec, a former biathlete who competed in the 1992 and 1994 Olympics, has brought a new approach to shooting techniques among the German squad. He promoted the idea of risk-taking in shooting, stating that a modern biathlete must embrace ‘fast shooting, full risk, and full attack.’ Unfortunately, this approach has not consistently translated into strong performances, as evidenced by frequent shooting errors during key events like the World Championship rehearsal in Antholz and the season opener in Kontiolahti.
In recent critiques, Velepec noted, ‘The running performance was not at the highest level; compared to Norway and France, we are not competitive. When shooting also fails, you have a problem.’
Unusual Timing for a Coaching Change
Felix Bitterling, the sports director for biathlon, remarked on the unexpected nature of Velepec’s decision: ‘We have come to know Uros as a coach who inspires and wins. His choice to step down at this moment is indeed unusual. However, Uros shared his reasoning in a detailed conversation. The next three weeks will be crucial for the team’s dynamics, and we have agreed to honor his request to step down until the end of the season.’
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