He shoots like a machine gun and talks like a winner. Now, the rising star from Norway is setting his sights sky-high — he believes in gold, the crystal globe, and the Olympics, and promises that Lægreid will have a fight on his hands.

Martin Uldal isn’t shy about revealing his bold goal for the upcoming season: to win the overall World Cup.

When the 24-year-old hears that Sturla Holm Lægreid thinks he’ll become a formidable rival, his face lights up.

“I have to be confident and agree as well. I really want to chase him. I think in one more year, I really want to be able to push him in the Total Score. It would be really fun to be one of the best!” Uldal told the IBU.

The biathlon talent from Birkenes burst onto the World Cup scene last December, claimed his first World Cup victory before Christmas, and cemented his place on the team for the rest of the season. In March, he finished 11th overall in the World Cup standings, was named Newcomer of the Year by the IBU, and secured a spot on Norway’s elite national team.

Now, he’s chasing overall winner Sturla Holm Lægreid — and aiming for the 2026 Olympic Games.

Also Read: Seven Norwegian biathletes named for World Cup opener

Lightning-fast but inaccurate

Uldal has stood out as one of the world’s fastest shooters. Last winter, he clocked 12.5 seconds for a standing shooting series. This summer, he won the shooting duel at the Blink Festival with an incredible 10.7-second series in the final.

But his hit rate stands at 94.17% prone and 78.33% standing — still a long way from World Cup winner Lægreid, who boasts 97.14% and 89.71%, respectively.

That’s why Uldal has been working closely with shooting coach Siegfried Mazet this summer. The experienced French coach has a bone to pick with the lightning-fast youngster when it comes to discipline on the range.

Read More: Mazet to step down after 2026 Olympics

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Aiming for the Olympics

Uldal isn’t afraid to think big. In addition to the coveted crystal globe, the Olympics are his ultimate goal.

“I want to go to the Olympics. If I want to have a long, spectacular career, I need to make it to these Olympic Games. I feel the pressure, even though it’s still early. I’m young, and failure is not the end. But I really want it,” Uldal said, adding:

“The next chance won’t come for another four years, and by then, people will expect me to be successful. But for this time, I need to be ready.”

Uldal isn’t the only one targeting Lægreid this season.

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Already selected for the World Cup

Last week, both Lægreid and Uldal were confirmed for the World Cup opener, which takes place in Östersund at the end of November. The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Italy from February 6 to 22, with biathlon competitions taking place in Antholz-Anterselva.

The international biathlon season kicks off even earlier, on October 19, with a brand-new event concept: Loop One in Munich, where both Martin Uldal and Sturla Holm Lægreid, along with all the sport’s biggest stars, are expected to compete.

Read More
Biathlon stars ready for Munich’s Loop One Festival
Biathlon World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season
Program for biathlon at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

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