The Oslo-Holmenkollen arena in Norway set the stage for a thrilling weekend of biathlon as the top contenders prepare for the final competitions of the 2024/2025 season. Starting Friday, March 21, the renowned venue will host a series of high-stakes races featuring elite athletes such as Tarjei Bø, Camille Bened, and Emilien Jacquelin, each holding aspirations of glory as the season comes to a close.
Tarjei Bø recently experienced a setback, announcing that he would skip the sprint scheduled for March 21 due to illness. "This afternoon, I was struck down with fever and a headache. This is, of course, very unfortunate, but I cannot compete in this condition. Now, I will do everything I can to be ready to start on Sunday," Bø shared. Although he must miss the sprint, planned events include pursuits on Saturday, March 22, and the Mass Start on Sunday, March 23, marking Bø's final World Cup competitions.
In a contrasting narrative, Camille Bened is gearing up for her first-ever biathlon World Cup appearance after lifting the IBU Cup crystal globe in Otepää, Estonia. The 24-year-old from Chablais expressed her excitement ahead of the sprint, stating, "Going up the World Cup is every biathlete’s dream. I’m really happy!" A dozen family members will be supporting her at the event, elevating the significance of this milestone in her career.
As Bened makes her debut, fellow competitor Lou Jeanmonnot is engaged in a fierce battle for the overall title against Germany's Franziska Preuss. With just 20 points separating the two athletes after 18 races, the tension is palpable. Jeanmonnot, who currently sits behind Preuss, commented on her anticipation, stating she is eager for the challenge. "I can’t wait to be in Oslo! I’ve got lots of friends coming, and my family will be there too," she said, highlighting the personal stakes amidst the competitive landscape.
Moreover, Emilien Jacquelin, another formidable athlete competing in Oslo, is eyeing two major objectives: securing a podium finish in the overall standings and vying for the sprint globe. Currently fourth in the rankings, Jacquelin remains upbeat about his chances, remarking, “I’m hanging in there and anything is possible.” He focuses on the sprint, where he has already clinched two victories this season, as he aims to overtake Johannes Thingnes Boe.
The Oslo Holmenkollen World Cup schedule promises to be action-packed. The races commence with the men’s 10km sprint at 13:30 CET and subsequently transitions to the women’s 7.5km sprint at 16:20 CET on March 21. The competitions will continue into Saturday with a focus on pursuits, followed by Mass Start races wrapping up the events on March 23.
Fans and athletes alike are primed for a captivating series of races that may decide the season's champions. This weekend not only marks the conclusion of the World Cup circuit for 2024-2025 but also serves as a farewell for the Boe brothers, with their careers culminating in this prestigious competition. Their impending retirement adds a layer of sentimentality to the events, as they bid adieu in a venue etched in the memories of biathlon enthusiasts.
The sense of excitement is magnified by the return of athletes like Bened, who are stepping onto the highest stage of their sport, and Jacquelin’s determined pursuit of glory. As the races unfold, the eyes of the world will be on Oslo-Holmenkollen, where history could very well be made.
