Bernd Eisenbichler returns to the German Ski Association as biathlon sports director and is supposed to lead the team to success again after the weak Olympic season. As the DSV announced, the 50-year-old will take over from Felix Bitterling from May 1st, who, as announced in December, is going to the IBU World Association.
It will be Eisenbichler’s second term in office. He was responsible for the German biathletes from 2019 to 2022 before taking on a management position in the sporting goods industry.
Several candidates – but Eisenbichler convinced
According to DSV sports director Andreas Schlütter, “numerous discussions were held” before filling the important position. Accordingly, several people were trusted with the task. In the end, Eisenbichler’s overall concept was the most convincing, said Schlütter: “His ideas, his experience in international biathlon and his clear view of the next development steps made the difference for us.”
The first discussions regarding the handover of Bitterling to Eisenbichler have already taken place. “Now it’s a matter of examining together with everyone involved where we need to further sharpen so that we remain successful in the long term, both at the top of the world and in the youth sector,” said Eisenbichler.
Sporting low point: A lot of work for the sports director
A lot of work awaits the new sports director. After Franziska Preuß’ career ended, the team is missing a sporting leader. After the worst Olympic result since reunification with just a bronze medal at the Winter Games in Italy in February, a low point was reached. The German ski hunters, who were once so spoiled for success, have lost touch with the top nations France and Norway. Four fourth places at the Olympics don’t change that.
“If you look at the fundamentally positive development of the last three years, we have to self-critically say that we cannot be satisfied with the way this winter has gone overall,” said DSV board member Schlütter: “At the same time, we agree that many important processes have been initiated in recent years that, in our view, are pointing in the right direction. Even if their impact still needs time in some cases.”
After this season, Bitterling is returning at his own request to the International Biathlon Union, for which he had already worked in the past. At the world association, the Bavarian takes over the management of a newly created marketing department. Since April 2022, as sports director at DSV, he has pushed for many changes, including in coach training and the development of young athletes.