Laegreid, Christiansen vs. Perrot, Jacquelin

The biathlon competitions have a bit of a different look this year. The mass start returns after last year being replaced by mixed relays. This will be the first time in 15 years without a Boe brother in the field. The French A teams, Blink staples for years will have just four starters. World Cup Total Score winner Sturla Holm Laegreid leads Norway with teammates Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Vebjoern Soerum, Martin Uldal, and Endre Stroemsheim looking to challenge. The Norwegian to watch is Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen, gunning for his eighth victory at Blink. Beyond the home team, French representatives Eric Perrot wo won the 2024 shooting duel and Emilien Jacquelin are likely to vie for wins.

Vittozzi Returns

On the women’s side of the board, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold and Maren Kirkeeide are the top Norwegians. After sitting out last season with medical issues, 2024 World Cup Total Score winner Lisa Vittozzi rejoins the biathlon wars. Vittozzi, a masterful summer competitor with a long list of rollerski victories will be the woman in the spotlight. The Italian’s debut will be no walk in the park with France’s Lou Jeanmonnot, and teammate Olympic Mass Start Champion Justine Braisaz-Bouchet in the field. Jeanmonnot, like Vittozzi is a dominating rollerski races and after her crushing end to last season at Holmenkollen, will surely be looking for a win on Norwegian soil.

Beyond the biggest names, the young Polish men’s and women’s teams, the German IBU Cup men and women and Ukraine’s Dmytro Pidruchnyi give the competitions the feel of a mini-World Cup.