Having not competed since January, he faces several of the world’s best again on Saturday as one of two Norwegians.

Endre Strømsheim, who won two World Championship gold medals in three days last year, was dropped from the Norwegian national team after a disappointing season, which he concluded following the World Cup round in Nove Mesto in January. Since then, he has not competed. 

Now, he is making a comeback against Olympic and World Cup stars in one of the summer’s most prestigious biathlon competitions: the Frassinoro Summer Biathlon Festival in Italy from June 26 to 28.

Strømsheim’s teammate, Vebjørn Sørum, who was also dropped from the national team, will be there as well. He too did not receive renewed trust from the national team after a season marred by injuries and illness, and was cut after just one year on the team. He was relegated to the IBU Cup after just one race in the World Cup before Christmas. 

Also Read: Norwegian biathlon teams for season 2026/2027

Star-studded field

In this weekend’s prestigious event, the two dropped Norwegian biathletes will face a star-studded field, including last year’s winner, Campbell Wright. The young American shocked everyone at last year’s World Championships, where he took two silver medals in quick succession, and has stabilized himself among the world’s best this year.

Also competing are the ageless Jakov Fak of Slovenia, Germany’s new talent Franz Schaser, and Finland’s Otto Invenius, along with several strong Italian competitors. 

On the women’s side, Olympic star Lora Hristova from Bulgaria is the favorite, but she will face tough competition from Anamarija Lampic from Slovenia, Germany’s Lisa Maria Spark, Susan Kuelm from Estonia, and Iva Moric from Croatia.

Continuing the pursuit

Strømsheim is starting from scratch. With his Norwegian national team spot gone, he also lost financial support and access to the Federation’s resources. However, the 28-year-old from Bærum has no plans to give up. 

“I have no coach, I have no team, and I have no matches or training camps. These are things I have to sort out myself. I am ready for that challenge, but is it an advantage? No, absolutely not,” he told NRK.

Regardless, Endre Strømsheim has a wildcard entry to the World Championships as the defending champion in the mass start. The championship will be held in Otepää, Estonia, from February 7 to 21, 2027. 

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events with English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER