Wierer returns to winning ways in Östersund World Cup opener; Giacomel 7th in men’s individual

Italy celebrated a dream start to the IBU World Cup biathlon season in Östersund, Sweden. After double second places in the opening weekend relays (women and mixed), the Azzurri shone in the individual races as well.

Women’s 15 km individual - Dorothea Wierer, 35, returned to the top step of the podium, winning in Östersund two and a half years after her previous World Cup victory — also in the Swedish venue. She prevailed by just three‑tenths of a second over Finland’s Leinamo thanks to a powerful final loop on skis and her trademark speed on the range. “I never imagined I would get back to winning,” said Wierer, who also claimed her first World Cup win in Östersund exactly ten years earlier, on 3 December 2015. - Lisa Vittozzi finished 10th despite three misses, confirming solid ski form after a long break. Michela Carrara placed 22nd with five misses but clocked the second‑fastest ski time. Behind Wierer, the podium was completed by Leinamo and France’s Océane Michelon (Bened); Lou Jeanmonnot finished fourth, remaining a prime contender for the overall globe.

Men’s 20 km individual - Even without the now‑retired Boe brothers (Johannes Thingnes and Tarjei), Norway underlined its depth: four Norwegians finished in the top five. Victory went to Johan‑Olav Botn of Norway’s B‑team with a perfect day on the range and strong skiing, ahead of teammate Martin Uldal. Sweden’s Sebastian Samuelsson was third, Norway’s Sivert Bakken fourth, and last season’s overall winner Sturla Holm Lægreid fifth. - Italy’s Tommaso Giacomel started well, taking seventh with two shooting errors — his best result in a World Cup season‑opener and the top non‑Scandinavian on the day. France’s Éric Perrot, among the overall favourites, was 10th. Other Italians in the points were Elia Zeni (33rd), Didier Bionaz (36th) and Lukas Hofer (38th).