Get ready for the Biathlon World Cup kickoff! 🏃♂️⛗️
The 2023/24 season is all set to commence in Östersund, Sweden. This biathlon hotspot has been hosting the event annually since 1978, and it's no different this time around. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) governs it all, with ten thrilling competitions planned for seven exhilarating days, from November 25 to December 3.
Who will bag the 90 coveted points at the opening? While Sweden's Johannes Thingnes Bö (30) has been touted as a favorite, his season preparations have been less than stellar. In an interview with "TV2," Bö admitted he might have a less successful season than previous years. But will his underwhelming preparation dampen his performance in Östersund?
The Agenda
The world's biathlon elite will assemble in Östersund for the season opener. Here's what's on the agenda for competitors and spectators alike:
- November 25 (12:30 p.m.): Single mixed relay, 13.5 kilometers
- November 25 (2:50 p.m.): Mixed relay, 4x6 kilometers
- November 26 (11:20 a.m.): Women's individual, 15 kilometers
- November 26 (2:30 p.m.): Men's individual, 20 kilometers
- November 29 (3:20 p.m.): Women's relay, 4x6 kilometer
- November 30 (3:20 p.m.): Men's relay, 4x7.5 kilometers
- December 1 (2:45 p.m.): Women's sprint, 7.5 kilometers
- December 2 (2:45 p.m.): Men's sprint, 10 kilometers
- December 3 (2 p.m.): Women's pursuit, 10 kilometers
- December 3 (4 p.m.): Men's pursuit, 12.5 kilometers
Biathlon World Cup on Free TV
With Austria and Eurosport sharing broadcasting rights for the 2023/24 season, viewers in Germany can enjoy ten contests via free TV and live streaming in their respective media libraries. Discovery+ also offers a paid livestream for all races.
Follow the Biathlon World Cup in Östersund Live
If you're keen to catch all the action live, stay tuned to the Biathlon World Cup live ticker!
The German Biathletes in Östersund
Twelve German biathletes are gearing up for the Östersund challenge. The male lineup includes these six athletes:
- Roman Rees
- Benedikt Doll
- Johannes Kühn
- Philipp Nawrath
- David Zobel
- Justus Strelow
What's Next for Biathlon World Cup 2023/24
After Östersund, the action moves to Hochfilzen in Tyrol, Austria, from December 8 to 10. Later, the biathletes will compete at other venues across Europe and the world, including Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Nove Mesto, Czech Republic (World Championships), Norway, the United States, and Canada.
This year, the Biathlon World Cup will be telecast on free German TV channels ARD and ZDF, as well as Eurosport, providing fans with an immersive experience of Östersund's thrilling season opener. With individual, sprint, pursuit, relay, and mixed relay events lined up, Winter sports enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in Östersund, as the home crowd and biathlon legends prepare to light up the winter sports stage.
Source:
Enrichment Data (Incorporated into Base Article): While the base article does not specify any exact favorites, according to live results and news covering IBU World Cup and other biathlon events, Johannes Thingnes Bö has maintained his favorite status in biathlon competitions. However, for a detailed analysis of the favorites for the 2023/24 season, you would need to refer to expert rankings from that period.
