Excitement filled the air at Holmenkollen, Oslo, as the Biathlon World Cup final kicked off on March 21, 2025. Both men's and women's sprint races brought thrilling action to fans watching live in the stadium and on various networks, including ARD and Eurosport. The day's events set the stage for an intense showdown between top athletes, marking the end of a challenging season in the world of biathlon.
In the men's sprint, Norwegian star Johannes Thingnes Boe made a spectacular appearance, clinching victory in his last professional event. The 10-kilometer sprint showcased Boe's remarkable skills as he shot flawlessly, completing the race in 24 minutes and 49.5 seconds. Sturla Holm Laegreid finished strongly in second place, just 25.7 seconds behind, while Johannes Dale-Skjevdal secured third with a time of 36.7 seconds behind Boe. With this victory, Boe added another highlight to his illustrious career, leaving a legacy that fans and athletes will remember.
On the women's side, the spotlight shone brightly on Franziska Preuß, who faced a fierce challenge from France's Lou Jeanmonnot. Preuß emerged victorious, finishing just 0.2 seconds ahead of Jeanmonnot, marking a pivotal moment in her quest for her first overall World Cup title. Preuß's superb performance saw her cross the finish line in 20 minutes and 57.2 seconds with no penalty rounds, a feat that impressed fans and commentators alike. Suvi Minkkinen from Finland rounded out the podium in third place, finishing over 21 seconds behind the German star.
With this victory, Preuß has extended her lead in the overall standings over Jeanmonnot to 35 points as the season draws to a close with only two races remaining. While Preuß was elated with her win, the nail-biting suspense surrounding her competition with Jeanmonnot kept fans on the edge of their seats. As the athletes prepare for the pursuit races on Saturday, the stakes couldn't be higher. Preuß leads the overall standings but knows a swift performance from Jeanmonnot could still turn the tide.
The season finale in Oslo is not only a dramatic showdown for individual titles; it is also a farewell event for the Boe brothers, whose remarkable careers are considered some of the greatest in biathlon history. The elder brother, Tarjei, regrettably had to withdraw due to illness, but Johannes's victory adds a fitting tribute to their legacy as they both end their careers after this season. Fans united in the stands, cheering for their heroes, embodying the spirit of this thrilling sport.
The coverage of the World Cup final is facilitated by major networks, with live broadcasts available on ARD and Eurosport. For fans eager to catch the action online, livestreams are accessible via streaming platforms such as discovery+, Joyn, and DAZN.
Looking ahead, the pursuit races scheduled for March 22, 2025, promise even more excitement. The men will race over 12.5 kilometers while the women will cover 10 kilometers. The mass start races set for March 23, rounding out the World Cup season, will see the athletes battle it out in their final contest for the prestigious overall title.
Germany's roster remains strong, with athletes like Preuß, Sophia Schneider, Johanna Puff, and others vying for medal placements. In the men's pursuit, the German team includes Johannes Kühn, Philipp Nawrath, Justus Strelow, and more, competing against formidable competitors from across Europe.
As the anticipation builds towards the culmination of the 2024/25 Biathlon World Cup, fans can expect emotional farewells, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments on the final day of biathlon this season.
