Lisa Vittozzi braces for brutal conditions at Estonia's Biathlon World Cup
Olympic champion Lisa Vittozzi is gearing up for a tough challenge at this weekend's Biathlon World Cup in Estonia. Unseasonably warm weather and strong winds will test athletes during the races in Otepää, where conditions are expected to be gruelling.
Temperatures in Estonia could climb as high as 14°C (57°F), softening the snow and making the races physically demanding. Vittozzi has already warned that the heat will push competitors to their limits, stressing the need for proper hydration. Adding to the difficulty, winds of around 20 km/h (12 mph) are forecasted for the shooting range, likely affecting accuracy.
The Italian biathlete, currently seventh in the overall World Cup standings, has described the Otepää course as particularly tough—a challenge she welcomes. She also expressed excitement about racing in front of the local fans. This weekend's event serves as a key test ahead of the 2027 Biathlon World Championships, which will also be held in Otepää. Vittozzi remains focused on adapting to the conditions, determined to perform well despite the obstacles posed by the weather.
The races in Otepää will provide a critical preview of what to expect in 2027, when the town hosts the Biathlon World Championships. With warm temperatures and strong winds shaping this weekend's competition, athletes like Vittozzi must adjust quickly to secure strong results.
