Biathlon: First World Cup after Bakken’s death — Norway without Botn and Laegreid

At the first World Cup after the death of Norwegian biathlete Sivert Bakken, overall World Cup leader Johan‑Olav Botn and teammate Sturla Holm Lægreid will not compete in Oberhof because they are ill. Norway’s team manager Per Arne Botnan described it as an “unusual weekend.”

The Norwegian federation reported that Botn and Laegreid are sick and not competitive. Sverre Dahlen Aspenes and Martin Nevland — who will make his World Cup debut — move into the Norwegian squad instead. “I would very much like to have taken part, maybe especially this time. At the same time I must look after my health, and so this is the only right decision,” Botn said. He currently leads the overall World Cup by 113 points ahead of Frenchman Eric Perrot (447 points). Laegreid sits sixth in the standings with 333 points.

This World Cup is Norway’s first after the death of their teammate Sivert Guttorm Bakken. “It will be an unusual weekend for all of us. The most important thing now is to look after one another and to make sure that the athletes have a safe and good experience after a challenging Christmas period,” team manager Per Arne Botnan said.

Bakken, 27, was found dead on 23 December in his hotel room in the Italian Lavazè by his friend and teammate Johan‑Olav Botn. The athletes had been at a training camp and had planned to ski that morning. Bakken was wearing an altitude‑training mask when he was found. The cause of death remains unclear; autopsy results are not expected until March.

Botn described the moment of discovery as “an absolute state of shock and pure panic.” He said he saw his long‑time companion completely lifeless and pale and immediately understood that he was dead. Botn has sought help from a psychologist: “I have some images in my head that I now know I will have to live with for the rest of my life. I think it is wise to find a way to live with those images,” he said. He also stressed how important biathlon had been to Bakken, who had fought his way back onto the World Cup after a two‑year break. Botn said he did not want to abandon that shared goal and that returning to the training routine helps him cope.

The Oberhof World Cup program will continue, and Norway’s altered line‑up will race amid the emotional aftermath of the loss.