In the men's sprint event at Holmenkollen, 16-year-old Latvian biathlete Rihards Lozbers, who is turning 17 on the day of reporting, competed with bib number 91. According to SVT Sport, he finished 21st with a perfect shooting record and a strong skiing time. This performance made him the youngest ever to score points in the World Cup.
Lozbers previously finished 32nd in an Olympic sprint. SVT Sports commentators Ola Bränholm and Björn Ferry praised Rihards Lozbers as a 'sensational' talent who could boost interest in biathlon in Latvia. Another young biathlete, Philip Lindkvist Flötten, made his World Cup debut in Holmenkollen.
According to SVT Sport, he is a 19-year-old biathlete born in Norway and living in Lillehammer, with a Swedish mother, who has chosen to compete for Sweden. He had success at the Junior World Championships (JVM), winning three medals, leading to his World Cup debut. He has also competed in the IBU Cup and European Championships this season.
NRK Sport reports that Philip Lindkvist-Fløtten has permanently chosen to represent Sweden, citing it felt 'right'. He debuted in the World Cup in Holmenkollen, placing 68th in the sprint. He won medals in all individual distances at the Junior World Championships.
Norwegian biathlete Isak Frey suggested Philip Lindkvist-Fløtten's choice to represent Sweden might be a strategic move for earlier advancement in the Swedish system. Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid noted he was once recruited by Sweden. Sweden's coach implied the choice was not random and hinted at reasons athletes might prefer Sweden over Norway.
It is part of sports.
In other men's events, Johan-Olav Botn won the men's mass start in Holmenkollen, vomiting after the finish. Johan-Olav Botn placed third in the overall World Cup, behind winner Éric Perrot and second-placed Sturla Holm Lægreid. Sturla Holm Lægreid's winning streak ended with a fourth-place finish.
In women's events, Suvi Minkkinen has earned over 180,000 euros in prize money this season, with potential bonuses up to 50,000 euros in Holmenkollen. Her company Minkkis Media reported a profit of about 148,700 euros on revenue of 301,000 euros in the last fiscal year, a significant increase. 5 km sprint, ruled out of winning the overall World Cup, but leads the pursuit cup by 20 points.
Lisa Vittozzi won the women's mass start, breaking Hanna Öberg's streak, with Öberg having won the sprint and pursuit. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold placed fifth in the women's mass start, matching her season best. Team changes were also a focus, with Siegfried Mazet leaving as a Norwegian national team coach after ten years, confirmed to be joining the French team.
The Norwegian biathlon team selection for the World Cup finale in Holmenkollen is set, with 24-year-old Ola Tafjord Suhrke making his World Cup debut. NRK's expert Ola Lunde believes Ola Tafjord Suhrke has strong skiing capacity but challenges on the shooting range. In related news, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo's potential participation in Lake Placid is uncertain due to a mild concussion, with his media advisor Lasse Gimnes confirming cancelled media appointments.
3°C), leading to cancelled para-skiing events. Julie Bjervig Drivenes won the women's 10km skate race in Gålå by over 15 seconds, with Milla Grosberghaugen Andreassen second and Nora Sanness third. Finn-Haagen Krogh won the men's race in Gålå by over 9 seconds ahead of Henrik Doennestad, with Martin Kirkeberg Moerk third.