Curtain up for the big biathlon finale

Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi had an extremely strong season. In the overall World Cup they are in second and third place before the final three races in Oslo (Norway). If everything goes normally, the decision about the big crystal ball has already been made. The Frenchwoman Julia Simon (1.003 points) is 144 points ahead of Wierer. Vittozzi's deficit is 185 points.

Even if Wierer were to win all three competitions at Holmenkollen, three fifth places would be enough for Simon, for example. That would be an extremely surprising scenario, but it makes it clear that a lot would have to come together for Wierer's third overall World Cup victory. “I am already extremely satisfied with my season. No matter how things go in Oslo,” Wierer said after her victory in Östersund on Sunday.

Wierer's chance for the small ball Wierer's chances of winning the small crystal ball in the sprint, which will be awarded on Friday, are much more realistic. In this ranking, the South Tyrolean is 14 points behind Denise Herrmann-Wick. If Wierer wins the sprint in Oslo, she would win this ball for the first time ever. Even second place would be enough if Herrmann-Wick doesn't finish better than third.

<a data-caption="Julia Simon (vorne) ist die große Kugel heuer wohl nicht mehr zu nehmen, doch Wierer (im Hintergrund) kämpft noch um Sprint-Kristall. © ANSA / Anders Wiklund" data-fancybox="inline-150941" target="_image" href="https://s3-images.sportnews.bz/_images/scale/1280x1280/img/2023/03/julia-simon-vorne-ist-die-grosse-kugel-heuer-wohl-nicht-mehr-zu-nehmen-doch-wierer-im-hintergrund-kaempft-noch-um-sprint-kristall.jpg"> Julia Simon (front) will probably no longer be able to take the big shot this year, but Wierer (in the background) is still fighting for the sprint crystal. © ANSA / Anders Wiklund

In addition to Wierer and Vittozzi, Rebecca Passler and Hannah Auchentaller also had a strong season. The 21-year-olds from Antholz have now established themselves in the World Cup. Fast shooter Passler was there from the start this year, while Auchentaller has stuck to her guns since the home leg in Antholz. The coronation then followed in Oberhof with relay gold.

Tommaso Giacomel impressed in the men's race this year. Last week in Östersund, the young Trentino driver also achieved his first podium finish. But in addition to Giacomel, a strong second man is currently missing - also because Lukas Hofer was injured almost the entire season. At the end of Holmenkollen, Patrick Braunhofer from Ridnaun and his colleagues would like to provide a surprise.

World Cup finals in Oslo: The program Thursday: Men's sprint (15.15 p.m.)

Friday: Women's sprint (15.20 p.m.)

Saturday: Men's pursuit (12.45), women's pursuit (15.10)

Sunday: Men's mass start (12.50), women's mass start (15.10)

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Curtain up for the big biathlon finale

A dream season comes to an end for Italy's biathletes this week. But Dorothea Wierer & Co. still have big goals for the World Cup final.

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