Johan‑Olav Botn dominates pursuit in Annecy, underlining Olympic form for Milano‑Cortina 2026

Johan‑Olav Botn showcased outstanding form ahead of the Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, winning Saturday’s men’s pursuit in Annecy–Le Grand‑Bornand. Starting fourth after Friday’s sprint, the 26‑year‑old Norwegian delivered four perfect shooting bouts and skied away for his third individual World Cup victory of the season. It was also his fifth individual podium this winter, and he continues to lead the overall World Cup standings comfortably.

Botn admitted he hadn’t felt his best on the course earlier in the weekend, but compensated with flawless work on the range. “I felt better today than yesterday, so maybe I’ll feel the same tomorrow,” he told Discovery’s reporter in Annecy. Norwegian TV analysts Ola Lunde and Torgeir Bjørn praised the performance, with Bjørn tipping Botn as one of the biggest favorites for every men’s biathlon event at the upcoming Olympic Games.

Through two clean stages, Botn and compatriot Johannes Dale‑Skjevdal moved to the front, and both hit all five in the final standing stage as well. After the third shooting, the Norwegian duo led solo by over 20 seconds ahead of France’s Émilien Jacquelin and Eric Perrot. On the decisive final prone, Botn again hit five to surge away and secure the win, with Jacquelin taking second and Dale‑Skjevdal third.

Norway’s depth showed once more: Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen placed seventh and Sturla Holm Lægreid eighth. Sivert Bakken finished 18th and Isak Frey 36th. The men conclude the weekend with Sunday’s mass start.