In less than two weeks, the Swedish biathlon season kicks off at Idre Fjäll. Sweden’s national team stars will face tough competition right from the start.

According to SVT, the entire German national team is expected to line up for the Swedish season opener in Idre Fjäll, including last season’s World Cup star Franziska Preuss.

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Also confirmed to compete is Lisa Vittozzi, the overall World Cup winner from the 2023/2024 season. Vittozzi missed the entire last winter due to a back injury but has shown strong form this summer, winning several prestigious roller ski competitions.

Also Read: Italy splits squads for final Biathlon World Cup preparations

Tough fight for Olympic spots

The biathlon season opener in Idre Fjäll will be an important competition, especially for the Swedish women. Eight national team athletes — Johanna Skottheim, Ella Halvarsson, Anna-Karin Heijdenberg, Sara Andersson, Hanna Öberg, Elvira Öberg, Anna Magnusson, and Linn Gestblom — are fighting for four Olympic start spots. Now, they will face two of the World’s best biathletes as rivals.

The Swedish men will also face stiff competition, including Italy’s Lukas Hofer and several strong athletes from the German team.

The Idre Fjäll opener takes place November 15–16, starting with a short individual race on Saturday, followed by a sprint on Sunday. The registration list is not yet finalized, so that more international stars may join.

HERE you can find registered biathletes.

Also Read: Biathlon World Cup: Calendar for the 2025/2026 winter season

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