The wait is over; in just over 24 hours, the Mixed Relay will kick off the 2026 Olympic Winter Games biathlon competitions at Antholz’s Sudtirol Arena. This Games-opening event has the potential to be one of the most exciting mixed relays in recent memory.

Every nation will put their best squad out for several reasons. First, the relay is a good way to break the Olympic “ice,” and get a feel for the competition conditions, despite the fact everyone is familiar with Antholz. Secondly, getting a medal early takes a lot of pressure off while building confidence and momentum.

Defending Champions

For context, defending Olympic Champion Norway will field a completely new squad after the retirements of Tiril Eckhoff, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland, Tarjei and JT Boe. Sunday’s team includes the reliable Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen and fast-shooting rookie Martin Uldal, the veteran Karoline Offigstad Knotten, and rising star Maren Kirkeeide. Norway has the firepower to defend, but this will be an uphill battle.

France, winner of the past two IBU World Championships opens with Eric Perrot, then Quentin Fillon Maillet, Lou Jeanmonnot and 91%-shooting Julia Simon on anchor. Simon on anchor is logical because she is experienced in that spot and performs well in pressure situations.

Italy’s Top Team

Italy and France come into the competition among the favorites based on the two mixed relays so far this season. France won in Oestersund. The Italians put their top team of Tommy Giacomel, Lukas Hofer, Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi out for both Oestersund and Nove Mesto, winning the latter and finishing second in Oestersund. They are going with that line-up, keeping in mind that Hofer, Wierer and Vittozzi won an Olympic Mixed Relay Bronze medal in 2018. The Italians, competing in their home OWG in their home stadium will be highly motivated to grab a medal.

France in the Driver’s Seat

Looking at the top half dozen teams, France is in the driver’s seat with the hugely talented Perrot leading off, experienced Fillon Maillet, Jeanmonnot, the unquestioned top woman in biathlon, and relentless competitor Simon. The Italians with their “dream team” match Giacomel evenly with Perrot while Hofer is at the top of his game recently. Doro in her home stadium and Vittozzi going against Simon has the makings a battle royale. The Swedes and Norwegians are close; these two squads, as with all the teams, have to keep spares to a minimum and avoid the penalty loop. If they shoot lights out, their ski speed will keep them in the medal mix. Germany and Finland have potential, but both need something special or big mistakes by their rivals to get on the podium.

Sweden and Czechia

The other powerhouse is Beijing fourth place Sweden with Sebastian Samuelsson, Martin Ponsiluoma, and the Oeberg sisters. They all ski fast and are capable of shooting clean. 2025 IBU WCH Silver medalist Czechia is in the conversation, especially after pulling off third place two weeks ago. The journeyman squad of Jessica Jislova, Tereza Vobornikova, Vitezslav Hornig and Michal Krcmar always shoots well but probably does not have the track talent equal to their rivals.

No doubt that this Olympic Mixed Relay will be an exciting, drama-filled opening act for the next two weeks of biathlon action.

Photos: IBU/Manzoni, Yevenko, Nordic Focus