The German biathlon team’s personnel worries are easing ahead of the world championships beginning on Wednesday.

Julia Tannheimer, 19, was recently absent from the dress rehearsal in Antholz-Anterselva due to illness and Danilo Riethmüller was given a break. But both are showing signs of form ahead of the opening mixed relay.

“Their current level of training looks promising. The first races will show how quickly Julia can get back into the rhythm of competition,” sporting director Felix Bitterling told reporters on Monday.

The 25-year-old Riethmüller is “making a strong impression and is ready for action,” added Bitterling.

It is still to be decided who will be part of the four-person team in for the start of the world championships in Switzerland.

Vanessa Voigt, who ended her season prematurely for health reasons, will definitely be missing but Philipp Nawrath, who was struggling with a slight cold after the World Cup meeting in Antholz, is better.

“He seems to have recovered,” said Bitterling, adding: “It remains to be seen whether he can immediately return to his full performance level or whether he needs one or two more races.”

Big German medal hopeful Franziska Preuss, the overall women’s World Cup leader, is fully fit for the championships which last until February 23.