Biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid blasts faulty thigh start numbers in Östersund: “It was a catastrophe”

Norway’s Sturla Holm Lægreid called the adhesive thigh start numbers used at the Östersund World Cup “a catastrophe” after they repeatedly fell off athletes’ suits. He said the stickers were poorly produced compared to previous editions, which were difficult to remove because the glue held so well.

Other athletes agreed. France’s Éric Perrot (who also competes under Norwegian affiliation in the article’s wording) said the numbers were “bad” this time and seemed to use a new glue that didn’t work, forcing skiers to try to avoid detached bib pieces on the track. He noted hitting one could reduce speed and said he would try to jump over them next time.

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) told NRK it is aware of the issue. Communications chief Christian Winkler said their partners will try to manufacture improved stickers early next week and that they are looking for a temporary fix for Sunday’s races.

Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel cautioned that skiing over the stickers could make a skier stick to the track and fall face‑first into the snow, while teammate Lukas Hofer’s sticker could be seen hanging loose on his right thigh. Norway’s Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen, who anchored the men’s relay win in Östersund, warned that if a sticker attaches to a ski, it could cause a stumble or crash. He noticed course staff picking up fallen numbers during warm‑up and praised their effort.

Two events awaited on Sunday with Norwegian entries: the single mixed relay (with Sturla Holm Lægreid and Maren Hjelmeset Kirkeeide) and the mixed relay (Endre Strømsheim, Johan‑Olav Botn, Karoline Knotten and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold).