Italian coach joins Norway's men's biathlon team

Italian coach Patrick Oberegger has taken over leadership of Norway's men's biathlon team, replacing Siegfried Mazet, who returned to France for the new Olympic cycle. Oberegger previously led the women's team for eight years and had indicated at the start of last season that this would be his final year in that role, though he remained open to new opportunities.

Oberegger's decision after Olympic Games

Oberegger began considering his future after the Olympic Games in Milan/Cortina 2026, evaluating various proposals, including the possibility of moving to the men's team in Norway. He expressed a preference for challenging roles where he could be held accountable if things did not go well.

Norwegian athletes wanted Oberegger's leadership

He accepted the Norwegian proposal, in part because the athletes themselves wanted him to join them. He emphasized the importance of the men's team being a cohesive group composed of genuine men who support each other and celebrate each other's successes.

Johan-Olav Botn emerges as a leader

Johan-Olav Botn, who has performed well in summer races, appears to be emerging as a leader within the team. Oberegger described Botn as a humble, thoughtful, and correct young man who is also an enormous worker and a crucial element for the group.

Focus on gradual progress for Botn

Oberegger noted that they are working with Botn on speed in a step-by-step manner, aiming to help him achieve what he deserves and what he has already begun to show last season, particularly at the start of the season and at the Olympic Games. The focus is on gradual progress in preparation for the 2029 Oslo World Championships.

Giacomel expected to compete with top athletes

Looking ahead to the next major crystal globe competition, Oberegger believes that Tommaso Giacomel will be involved in the anticipated duel between Eric Perrot and Johan-Olav Botn. He noted that Giacomel becomes difficult to beat when at his best level, and while the preparation is long, the adrenaline of competition begins to be felt at this stage of the season.