Norway have made a strong and somewhat surprising selection choice: with only a few exceptions, the country’s top biathletes will not compete at the World Cup stage in Nove Mesto.
After the withdrawal of the Oeberg sisters, it has now been confirmed that Norway’s leading athletes are also skipping the Czech event. Maren Kirkeeide, Karolin Knotten, Marthe Johansen, Sturla Laegreid, Johannes Dale, Martin Uldal and Vetle Christiansen will all stay at home.
This means Norway will effectively field a B team in Nove Mesto.
One major exception is Johan Olav Botn. After missing Oberhof and Ruhpolding, the overall World Cup leader returns to competition, needing to rebuild race rhythm ahead of the Olympic Games. Ingrid Tandrevold, who is still not officially selected for the Olympics, will also compete in Nove Mesto.
Notably, Norway will not even use all available quotas for this stage, selecting only four women.
Norway women’s team
- Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold
- Juni Arnekleiv
- Siri Galtung Skar
- Guro Ytterhus
Norway men’s team
- Johan-Olav Smørdal Botn
- Isak Leknes Frey
- Sverre Dahlen Aspenes
- Martin Nevland
- Vetle Rype Paulsen
- Endre Stroemsheim
