The up-and-coming athletes who have challenged the established World Cup elite this winter are taking the Bø brothers’ spots on the men’s elite national team next season. A total of 36 athletes have been selected for the 2025–26 Norwegian biathlon national teams.

The Norwegian Biathlon Federation has named 36 athletes to the 2025–26 national teams, divided into elite, recruit, and U23 levels.

“We’re looking back on yet another memorable season, one that in many ways has had a bit of everything. Among the best in Norwegian biathlon, we have many strong athletes, and it’s a demanding job to decide who gets a spot on our national teams this year too,” said national team manager Per Arne Botnan.

The two open spots on the men’s elite team go to Martin Uldal and Vebjørn Sørum. Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen retains his position on the elite team. That makes the men’s elite group consist of these three, along with Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Sturla Holm Lægreid, and Endre Strømsheim.

“We have a very strong men’s elite team, where all the athletes have performed at a very high level. There’s a good mix of younger athletes and more experienced biathletes, which makes us well prepared heading into an important Olympic season. We’re keen to continue with Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen due to his experience and high potential,” commented Botnan.

Men’s Elite Team

• Sturla Holm Lægreid (Bærums Skiklub)
• Johannes Dale-Skjevdal (Fet SK)
• Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen (Geilo IL)
• Endre Strømsheim (Bærums Skiklub)
• Vebjørn Sørum (Søndre Ål Sportsklubb)
• Martin Uldal (Birkenes IL)

Coaches: Egil Kristiansen and Siegfried Mazet

Knotten Dropped, Femsteinevik Added

On the women’s elite team, there is one change: Karoline Knotten is out, while Ragnhild Femsteinevik returns to the Norwegian biathlon national team.

“For the coming season, we want more cohesion and to strengthen the team’s overall athletic development. Based on this, the coaching team has outlined a comprehensive plan, rooted in the athlete group,” said Botnan.

“To make such a plan work, it’s essential that athletes fully support the setup and trust that it gives them the best conditions to succeed. At this point, Karoline and the team have different needs and desires for next season. That’s why we’ve agreed she will not be part of the national team,” said Botnan.

Knotten will still be offered support for health services, ammunition, weapons, and skis.

“We’re available to support Karoline if she wants that as part of her training plan ahead of next season,” assures coach Sverre Huber Kaas.

Women’s Elite Team

• Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold (Fossum IF)
• Ragnhild Femsteinevik (Hålandsdal IL)
• Juni Arnekleiv (Dombås IL)
• Ida Lien (Simostranda IL)
• Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide (Markane IL)
• Marthe Kråkstad Johansen (Bossmo & Ytteren IL)

Coaches: Patrick Oberegger and Sverre Huber Kaas

Comeback Star Makes Another Comeback – Back on the National Team

Two spots have opened on the men’s recruit team as Sørum and Uldal move up. This clears the way for a familiar face from Vingrom IL: Sivert Guttorm Bakken.

Bakken had to put his career on hold due to myocarditis in 2022, but after focused training, he finished second overall in this season’s IBU Cup with ten podium finishes.

“Sivert is a big training talent and an incredible guy who works hard to achieve his goals. I think the entire biathlon community is happy to see him succeed, and it’s great to have him back on the team,” said men’s recruit coach Anders Øverby.

The other open spot goes to Sivert Silsand Gerhardsen from Tromsø, who steps up from the U23 team. His strong results at the Youth and Junior World Championships in Östersund, combined with solid performances throughout the season, earned him a place.

Men’s Recruit Team

• Isak Leknes Frey (Bærums Skiklub)
• Johan Olav Smørdal Botn (Stårheim IL)
• Sivert Guttorm Bakken (Vingrom IL)
• Sivert Silsand Gerhardsen (Tromsø Skiskytterlag)
• Mats Øverby (Lier IL)
• Martin Nevland (Figgjo IL)

Coach: Anders Øverby

Last year, a structural change was made on the women’s side beneath the elite team, combining the recruit and U23 teams into a single squad of 12 athletes. The aim was to provide an optimal training environment for the women.

“The feedback from the athletes has been positive, and we want to continue with this structure,” Botnan noted.

This year, six of the women will have recruit status, while the others are younger athletes. The group will train both age-specifically and together to foster the best possible development.

New for the season is a coaching change: Halvor Jørstad is stepping down, and former U23 men’s coach Ronny Hafsåsis joining forces with Andreas Kvam.

Karoline Erdal was selected for the team but declined the spot. The same goes for Bjørg Marit Eide and Marit Øygard, who also turned down their offers due to study plans or the desire to pursue individual training.

Women’s Recruit/U23 Team

• Gro Njølstad Randby (Ivrig IL)
• Sara Agnethe Granvang Tronrud (Nordre Land IL)
• Siri Galtung Skar (Try IL)
• Guro Ytterhus (Rennebu IL)
• Ragna Fodstad (Østre Toten Skilag)
• Julie Kvelvane (Voss SSL)
• Ann Kristin Aaland (Hardbagg IL)
• Silje Christine Berg Knutsen (Fet SK)
• Agathe Brathagen (Ivrig IL)
• Guro Femsteinevik (Hålandsdal IL)
• Frida Tormodsgard Dokken (Svene IL)
• Gunn Kristi Stensaker Tvinnereim (Hardbagg IL)

Coaches: Andreas Kvam and Ronny Hafsås

New Coach for the Youngest Men

There’s a coaching adjustment for the youngest men’s athletes: Sindre Gjøsæter is joining as coach. He previously led Fossum Elite and worked at WANG Toppidrett in Oslo. Gjøsæter is now responsible for the training programs of the six junior male biathletes.

Three new young biathletes join the team: Leo Skjellaug Gundersen, Andreas Haug, and Tov Røysland.

“All are promising biathletes who’ve shown good progress and strong results in the ASKO Norwegian Cup. They’re great additions to a team that’s performed very well this season and shown excellent development,” said the new coach.

Kasper Ågheim Kalkenberg was selected for this team but declined the spot.

U23 Men’s Team

• Håvard Tosterud (Østre Toten Skilag)
• Andreas Præsterud (Simostranda IL)
• Tov Røysland (Tinn Skiskytterlag)
• Leo Skjellaug Gundersen (Geilo IL)
• Oliver Alm (Østre Toten Skilag)
• Andreas Aasen Haug (Bø Skiskytterlag)

Coach: Sindre Gjøsæter

Also Read: “I was absolutely not prepared for this”

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