On December 13, 2024, Franziska Preuss moved into the Yellow Bib after taking the second win of her career in the Hochfilzen Sprint. From that point the German star defended the Golden Tricot week after week, only ceding it a day before Sunday’s Mass Start in the season finale in Oslo. After a strange competition and emotionally draining finish, Preuss reigned supreme, the 2025 Queen of Biathlon, a testament to perseverance, calling it, “A big dream come true,” but respecting Lou Jeanmonnot, “not the way I wanted to win.”

Preuss and Dahlmeier

Preuss became the first German woman to win the World Cup Total Score since Laura Dahlmeier claimed the title in 2017. Although from the same generation; 31 years old, the differences are huge. Dahlmeier had 10 victories, dominating the women’s competitions and running away with the title that season. Preuss on the other hand had five wins this season, but was in the podium mix in most competitions, only securing the title in the closing minutes of the Jeanmonnot battle. Dahlmeier, who retired at age 24 had a short, brilliant career. Meanwhile Preuss, who kicked off her career with two Gold and a Silver medal at the 2012 Youth Olympic Games continued racing and battling until reaching the top spot 13 years later.

Staying healthy, “a miracle”

Looking back on her big year, Preuss admitted, “The biggest success is that I stayed healthy the whole season. It’s like a miracle.” Sparks of brilliance and a cup of coffee with the Yellow Bib over the past decade were frequently interrupted by illness and injuries. The German veteran prevailed. “I am really proud (that I never gave up). I am also really thankful for my family and friends. They support me every time. I got so many kind messages after I lost the Yellow Bib. I felt everyone was cheering for me. They give me so much energy; in the hard moments I can trust them.”

“Better to lose (Yellow) yesterday than today”

Losing the Yellow Bib in the Oslo Pursuit was almost a blessing in disguise, helping Preuss focus on the Mass Start Score, not winning the Total Score. “It was tough of course when you lose it in nearly the last race of the season. But I said to myself, maybe it is better to lose yesterday than today…I tried to keep it out of my mind. I was fighting for the Mass Start Globe, my big aim today and not the overall situation. It was a crazy, crazy race.”

Photos: IBU/Nordnes, Manzoni, Nordic Focus