Biathlon World Cup opener in Östersund: Italy start with Wierer and Vittozzi back on the start line

The biathlon season leading toward the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympics begins on Saturday, 29 November, in Östersund, Sweden, with an opening World Cup stop spread over two weeks.

Schedule - Weekend 1 (relays): - Saturday: Women’s relay at 13:15, Men’s relay at 16:55 - Sunday: Single mixed relay at 14:00, Mixed relay at 15:40 - 2–7 December: The first individual-scoring events for the overall standings — Individual, Sprint and Pursuit

A notable storyline for Italy is the return of Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi together on the start list for the first time in 21 months. The last time both started the same official race was the Mass Start at the World Championships in Nové Město on 18 February 2024. Östersund carries special significance for Wierer, who has five victories there — matching her tally at Antholz — including her first world title. Italy also has fond memories of the venue as the site of its last World Cup mixed relay victory (30 November 2019 with Wierer, Vittozzi, Lukas Hofer and Dominik Windisch).

Italy’s women’s team - Dorothea Wierer - Lisa Vittozzi - Michela Carrara — aiming to capitalize with greater shooting consistency - Samuela Comola — World Champion in the women’s relay at Oberhof 2023 - Hannah Auchentaller — World Champion in the women’s relay at Oberhof 2023

Italy’s men’s team - Tommaso Giacomel — coming off a breakthrough end to last season and now targeting the overall Crystal Globe fight - Lukas Hofer — 36, still highly motivated and a reliable relay mainstay - Didier Bionaz — looking to rebound strongly - Patrick Braunhofer - Elia Zeni - Daniele Cappellari

With both of its leading women healthy and the men’s squad anchored by Giacomel and Hofer, Italy enters the Östersund opener with elevated expectations, especially for the mixed relay events and the early points races that follow.