Franzi in Yellow

Preuss enters Lenzerheide in unchartered territory, ranked #1 with a career-best ten podiums including two victories. Beyond the disappointing Oberhof Sprint/Pursuit, she has finished in the top 5 in 15 individual and relay competitions. Her career-best 92% shooting along with growing confidence should produce multiple medals. The 30-year-old might not win every competition, but five podiums will be no surprise. Best medal chances: Sprint, Pursuit, Mass Start, Individual, Relay

Focused Lou

Lou Jeanmonnot projects an intense, blinder-free shooting range focus. Her unique style has resulted in seven clean-shooting days (four Individual, three Relays) this winter, propelling her to a career-best six victories. Consistency is Jeanmonnot’s calling card all season, i, e., winning the Antholz Sprint/Pursuit double followed up by a very quick, two-spare relay leg. Focus, consistency and altitude success (Antholz 1600 meters to Lenzerheide’s 1400 meters) bode well for the WCH. Jeanmonnot won two Gold and two Bronze medals in Nove Mesto, but could easily top that haul. Best medal chances: Sprint, Pursuit, Individual, Mass Start, Relays

Up and Down Elvira

On the other hand, consistency has eluded Elvira Oeberg this season, yet she sits third in the World Cup Total Score, unquestionably remains a medal threat. The ups began with a Kontiolahti Mass Start win and Yellow Bib, followed by four penalties in the Hochfilzen and Annecy Le Grand Bornand Sprints. Most recently, she convincingly won the Ruhpolding Mass Start with her first four-stage clean-shooting day in two years, then missed Antholz with a cold. Elvira has never won an individual IBU WCH medal (three from relays); if the up/down cycle continues, Lenzerheide should be an up, punctuated by medals. Best medal chances: Pursuit, Mass Start, Relays