Biathlon: Ahead of the Biathlon Season Opener – Björn Ferry Lists Favorites and Calls for Better Shooting

Biathlon: Ahead of the Biathlon Season Opener

The biathlon season is just one day away.

During the premiere weekend, SVT expert Björn Ferry is eager to see a higher level of shooting than last season. "It must be at a significantly higher level," he states.

On Saturday, the biathlon season will commence with Sweden’s premiere in Idre. Both men and women will compete in short distance and sprint events. Ferry, clear about his expectations for the national team, comments, "The entire team has focused extra hard on shooting, so it is important that it works when the competition arrives. Otherwise, it’s easy to fall back into old habits."

The premiere weekend is crucial for many, especially for athletes outside the national team, according to Ferry.

Looking Out For Surprises

"This is one of the few opportunities for those outside the national team to measure themselves against the very best. Perhaps some of the younger athletes will show they have star potential for the future. I will be watching those who start early to see if there is anything extra in them."

Ferry highlights Elvira Öberg and Sebastian Samuelsson as favorites for the premiere, while noting that several competitors could vie for podium spots. "They had a training competition a few days ago where Sebastian Samuelsson and Hanna Öberg won, but anything can happen this weekend. Last season, Martin Ponsiluoma was incredibly strong in skiing but wasn’t on the podium at all. If he can improve his shooting, he will be very strong," Ferry adds, emphasizing that "90 percent is what's needed to reach the podium in the overall World Cup."

SVT will broadcast the premiere weekend from Idre, coinciding with the start of the Vinterstudion season.