Three-time Total Score winner Kaisa Mäkäräinen shares her expert view after the competitions in Kontiolahti and ahead of the decisive week in Otepaa. The Finnish legend reflects on the cheerful atmosphere created by home fans as a reaction the great season of the Finnish team led by Suvi Minkkinen. She also analyses the situations of Total Score leaders Lou Jeanmonnot and Eric Perrot as the race for the crystal globes enters its final phase. Finally, Makarainen explains why the Swedish women thrived in Kontiolahti and what mindset will be required to succeed in Otepaa.

The atmosphere in Kontiolahti surprised even those familiar with the venue. While it was known that many Finnish fans planned to attend, the real scale of the support only became clear once everyone arrived at the stadium and on the course. The expectation was already for a great atmosphere, but the in-person experience proved to be much greater. After several years when the venue did not fill up, it was encouraging to see that the Finnish biathletes inspired so many people with their strong results this season, including at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in Antholz. Fans came in big numbers and cheered everyone on.

The strong season could also mark an important moment for Finnish biathlon. Led by Suvi Minkkinen, the team is enjoying one of its best seasons ever. Team spirit appears very strong, while the coaching staff is doing a fantastic job and their years-long commitment is beginning to pay off. It is particularly positive that Erik Torneus-Kulstad and Aku Moilanen will continue working with the team, allowing them to further develop the system they have built and which the athletes trust. Seeing Minkkinen win an individual Olympic medal as the first Finnish female biathlete was a beautiful moment. At the same time, it is nice to see experienced athletes such as Tero Seppala and Olli Hiiden­salo—who were already competing in my active times—continuing their careers. They are now inspiring the younger generation, and that influence is already visible, for example with Inka Hamalainen winning two medals at the Junior World Championships.

The race for the Total Score title also produced an interesting contrast in Kontiolahti. Lou Jeanmonnot and Eric Perrot both arrived wearing the yellow bib after a very successful Olympic Winter Games, yet they responded differently to the new conditions and the increased pressure of bringing home the Total Score title. Perrot appears well on his way to securing the crystal globe. Even before the competitions began, the Kontiolahti course—with its long and steep climbs—seemed well suited to his skiing style. Still, both he and Jeanmonnot must continue taking one race at a time and avoid looking too far ahead, even with the end of the season approaching. At the moment Perrot appears calmer, while Jeanmonnot may simply be going through a difficult phase. Having learned important lessons last season, she likely knows how to manage bad days and regroup. The key will be to stay faithful to her usual routines, which is not always easy with the Total Score title on the line.

I know how intense this period of the season can be. Media attention grows significantly, with constant calculations of World Cup points throughout March and repeated questions about the title in every interview. In such moments, it is important for athletes to remember that they are doing the best job in the world and try to enjoy it as much as possible.

The Swedish athletes also stood out in Kontiolahti. The Oeberg sisters—especially Elvira—but also Anna Magnusson delivered very strong performances. Historically, the Swedish team has often done well in Kontiolahti, and Swedish women also arrived very motivated after leaving the Olympic competitions in Antholz without individual medals. Olympic disappointments can often trigger strong reactions afterwards. I know that feeling!Another factor may be the similarity between the Kontiolahti course and the one in Oestersund, which could make the Swedish athletes feel somewhat at home. In addition, they spent significant time training at high altitude before Antholz 2026. When athletes return to sea level—where they also live and train—the body can react very positively.

Looking ahead to the competitions in Otepaa, the focus for athletes should remain the same as earlier in the season. Even though the season is nearing its end, they should not change their approach or relax their competitive mindset. Maintaining detailed preparation and the same level of pressure is essential if they want to perform well. Those who relax even slightly may find success difficult. Otepaa will also host the IBU World Championships next season, which makes this week even more valuable. For the athletes, it is a good opportunity to get to know the venue better—something that should be done with full commitment.