Every season brings new names into the BMW IBU World Cup — but only a few manage to turn their first steps among the elite into something truly memorable. The 2025/26 campaign was no exception. From late call-ups to Oslo fairytales and teenage history-makers, these five athletes made the most of their debut World Cup season, collecting the highest number of points among newcomers — and, more importantly, announcing themselves as names to watch.

Martin Nevland (NOR) – 94 points

If there was one newcomer who made every single start count, it was Martin Nevland (pictured in the lead image). The Norwegian only appeared in five World Cup races — but scored in all of them. His standout moment came in Nové Město na Moravě, where he finished an impressive fifth in the Short Individual, showing he belongs among the best. And that wasn’t all: Nevland also stepped onto the podium in the Single Mixed Relay alongside Juni Arnekleiv, adding a team highlight to his already remarkable debut.

For most of the winter, however, he competed on the IBU Cup circuit, finishing sixth overall and securing the Mass Start small crystal globe.

Leonhard Pfund (GER) – 88 points

Leonhard Pfund’s breakthrough story comes with a twist. Given his chance in Nové Město na Moravě, the German delivered a sensational race in the Single Mixed Relay, even crossing the finish line first. What looked like a dream victory, however, was later taken away due to a safety violation.

Pfund didn’t let that setback define his week. Instead, he responded in style with strong individual results — 13th in the Short Individual and 15th in the Mass Start — confirming his potential on the big stage. He carried that momentum into the European Championships in Sjusjøen, where he secured silver in the Pursuit and added another medal with the men’s relay.

Siri Skar (NOR) – 78 points

The only woman in this top five — and one who made her mark immediately. At just 22 years old, Siri Skar needed no time to adapt. Making her World Cup debut in Ruhpolding, she broke into the top 30 straight away, finishing 27th in the Sprint and qualifying for the Pursuit in her very first appearance.

Her defining moment came in Nové Město na Moravě, where she delivered a breakthrough performance in the Short Individual, finishing seventh — less than 30 seconds off the podium.

Gaëtan Paturel (FRA) – 50 points

Gaëtan Paturel built his season on strong foundations in the IBU Cup, where he secured the overall title — becoming the first Frenchman to do so — along with the Sprint and Pursuit small crystal globes. Those results earned him a late call-up to the World Cup finale in Oslo, where he made an immediate impression.

After finishing 32nd in the Sprint, he produced a standout effort in the Pursuit, gaining 22 positions to break into the top 10. That showing also secured him a place in the Mass Start, where he closed his season in 26th despite seven penalty loops.

Grzegorz Galica (POL) – 35 points

The youngest name on the list — and perhaps the most eye-catching. At just 19 years old, Grzegorz Galica made his World Cup debut in Hochfilzen and immediately finished 24th in the Sprint. In doing so, he became the youngest athlete since 1996 to score World Cup points. He later improved that result to 23rd in Oberhof, underlining his consistency at such a young age.

Unlike the others on this list, Galica also experienced the Olympic stage, recording a best finish of 33rd in the Individual and contributing to an 11th place in the men’s relay. He closed his season in style at the Junior World Championships in Arber, taking gold in the Sprint — a clear signal that his journey is only just beginning.

Different paths, different moments — but one common theme: impact. And if this season was their introduction, the next step could bring them even closer to the very top.

Photos: IBU Photopool