Lisa Vittozzi misses the start of the World Cup in Finland. © Teyssot / Pierre TEYSSOT

No start in Finland: Bitter pill for Lisa Vittozzi

Bitter news for all biathlon fans: Lisa Vittozzi, the winner of the overall World Cup last season, will not be taking part in the opening event in Kontiolahti (November 30 to December 8). This means that one of the women's superstars is missing.

20 November 2024

From: cst

The Biathlon World Cup opening in Kontiolahti (FIN) will take place without Lisa Vittozzi. The Italian winter sports association FISI announced this on Wednesday. Vittozzi is suffering from back problems that have been bothering her in recent weeks of training. Together with the coaching staff, she has decided not to travel to Kontiolahti, according to the FISI.

Instead, Vittozzi will prepare for the second World Cup stop in Hochfilzen in Obertilliach (East Tyrol). Races will be held in the North Tyrolean biathlon center from December 13 to 15.

No replacement for Vittozzi in the far north

There will be no replacement for Vittozzi in Kontiolahti. Therefore, only 5 Azzurre will start in Finland. The team is led by Dorothea Wierer. Samuela Comola, Hannah Auchentaller, Rebecca Passler and Michela Carrara are also nominated.

Rebecca Passler will open the World Cup season with Lukas Hofer. © Teyssot / Pierre TEYSSOT

The World Cup season will open on November 30th with a single mixed relay. The South Tyrolean duo Rebecca Passler/Lukas Hofer will take on the race for the Azzurri. A mixed relay will follow on the same day, with Dorothea Wierer, Hannah Auchentaller, Didier Bionaz and Tommaso Giacomel taking part.

Biathlon kick-off in Kontiolahti

November 30th: Single Mixed Relay and Mixed Relay
December 1st: Sprint Men and Women
December 3rd: Men's Singles
December 4th: Women's Singles
December 6th: Sprint Men
December 7th: Sprint Women
December 8th: Mass start men and women