The Swedish biathlon national team has begun its second high-altitude training camp of the year, this time in France. The camp is a central part of the preparations ahead of the Olympic Games.

Last weekend, the roller ski biathlon Swedish Championships in Lima were on the schedule. Now, the national team has traveled to the Pyrenees for this year’s second high-altitude camp. The training area is located between 1800 and 2000 meters above sea level in Font-Romeu.

“Font Romeu gives us fantastic training opportunities. Here we have everything we need for long sessions with lots of elevation gain, from a roller-ski track and shooting range right by our accommodation to cycling routes and running trails in the mountains,” says head coach Johannes Lukas in a press release.

Also Read: Swedish A-biathlon team sharpens speed and precision in Sollefteå

Olympic preparations

High-altitude training camps are important in the buildup toward the winter competitions, especially the Olympics in Milano-Cortina.

“Altitude training is an important piece of the puzzle on the way to the Olympics. We already know that the camp in Font-Romeu provides us with great conditions for high-quality training, both in terms of environment and weather,” says Johannes Lukas.

Thirteen athletes have traveled down to Font Romeu. The only one missing is Johanna Skottheim, who has a cold but will join later during the camp.

“We’ve had a good training period with solid continuity. Now it’s about building further and taking the next step to reach our goals for the winter,” he concludes.

The 14 athletes included in the French camp are:

• Anna Magnusson, Piteå Biathlon Club
• Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, Tullus SG
• Ella Halvarsson, Biathlon Östersund
• Elvira Öberg, Piteå Biathlon Club
• Hanna Öberg, Piteå Biathlon Club
• Johanna Skottheim, Lima SKG
• Linn Gestblom, SK Bore
• Sara Andersson, Mora Biathlon
• Anton Ivarsson, Tullus SG
• Jesper Nelin, Biathlon Östersund
• Malte Stefansson, Oxbergs IF
• Martin Ponsiluoma, Tullus SG
• Sebastian Samuelsson, I 21 IF
• Viktor Brandt, I 2 IF

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