Biathlon shock: Norway grants Tandrevold a World Cup start despite missing criteria

Norway has awarded Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold a bonus spot for the 2025/26 Biathlon World Cup opener in Östersund, Sweden, even though she did not meet the internal selection criteria and has been battling a prolonged dip in form.

Under Norway’s rules for the Östersund start, athletes were expected to either finish inside the top 15 of last season’s overall World Cup or place in the top six of an individual race at the Lenzerheide World Championships. Tandrevold satisfied neither requirement.

The Norwegian federation, however, invoked an exception based on “extraordinary results” from the past. Tandrevold, a four‑time world champion, had heart surgery at the beginning of last season and subsequently struggled to regain her level. Since returning, her only standout result was a surprise sprint victory in Nové Město. Summer preparation races also suggested she was still behind her teammates.

Despite this, Norway is backing her for the Östersund opener. Alongside Tandrevold, Karoline Knotten and Maren Kirkeeide have secured places on the women’s squad. Three additional spots will be allocated after selection races in Geilo on November 15–16. Contenders named for those places include Ida Lien, Ragnhild Femsteinevik, Gro Randby, Karoline Erdal, Marthe Krakstad Johansen, Juni Arnekleiv, Emilie Ågheim Kalkenberg, and Marit Øygard.

The decision has sparked debate because it prioritizes past achievements over recent form, but the federation maintains the exception is warranted given Tandrevold’s pedigree and potential impact once fully fit.