Two of the Norwegian national team’s biggest profiles are withdrawing from the Biathlon World Cup next weekend, as neither Sturla Holm Lægreid nor Johan-Olav Botn will compete in Oberhof.

Sturla Holm Lægreid and Johan-Olav Smørdal Botn will not take part in the Biathlon World Cup in Oberhof next weekend. Both have been affected by illness and are not ready to compete.

“I would really have liked to start, maybe especially this time. At the same time, I have to take care of my health, and then this is the only right decision right now,” says Johan-Olav Smørdal Botn.

Botn was the one who found his friend and national team teammate Sivert Bakken (27) dead in his hotel room just before Christmas and reported the tragedy.

Replacements called up

After Botn and Lægreid withdrew, the Norwegian Biathlon Association called up two reserves for the race weekend in Oberhof.

Sverre Dahlen Aspenes and Martin Nevland will now get the opportunity to compete in the World Cup, with Nevland making his World Cup debut.

National team director Per Arne Botnan emphasizes that the race weekend in Oberhof will be special regardless of who is on the start list:

“This will be a different weekend for all of us. The most important thing now is to take care of each other and ensure that the athletes have a safe and good experience after a challenging Christmas.”

Tragic death

Sivert Guttorm Bakken was found dead in his hotel room in Lavazè on December 23.

The cause of death of the 27-year-old is still unknown. On Tuesday, it became clear that Italian prosecutors had set a March 7 deadline for forensic experts to complete their examinations and submit their report.

Read More: Cause of death still unclear as police continue Bakken investigation

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