Germany and Estonia opened their medal count at the IBU World Cup final in Otepää

The IBU World Cup biathlon season wrapped up in Otepää with the final competition week, featuring individual races, sprint, mixed relay, and single mixed relay events. Estonia made history by securing its first-ever gold medal in the IBU World Cup, while Germany also opened its medal tally.

On Wednesday, March 12, the competition featured the women's and men's individual races. The fastest athlete in the women’s 12.5 km short individual race was Estonia’s Susan Külm, who delivered a perfect performance by clearing all targets in all four shooting stages. She was followed by Norway’s Karoline Erdal (0+0+1+0; +5.6) in second place, while Camille Bened (0+0+1+1; +6.4) secured the bronze medal.

In the men’s 15 km individual race, Sivert Guttorm Bakken from Norway clocked the fastest time, despite two misses in the shooting range (0+0+1+1). Germany’s Roman Rees (0+1+0+0; +21.0) claimed second place, while his teammate Lucas Fratzscher (1+0+0+0; +1:35.9) took the bronze.

On Friday, March 14, the women’s and men’s sprint events were held. In the men’s 10 km sprint, Norway’s Johan-Olav Botn triumphed despite a single miss in the shooting range, securing the gold medal. His teammate Sverre Dahlen Aspenes (0+1; +13.2) claimed silver, while Germany’s Roman Rees (0+0; +21.5) took the bronze.

The women’s 10 km sprint was dominated by the French team. 19-year-old Voldiya Galmace Paulin took the win, despite one miss in the standing shooting stage. Her teammates Camille Bened (0+1; +4.0) and Paula Botet (1+1; +22.9) secured second and third places, respectively.

On Saturday, March 15, the mixed relay and pair mixed relay were held. Germany dominated the mixed relay, claiming victory with a flawless performance (0+6). France secured the silver medal (2+14; +49.9), while Norway took the bronze (6+14; +1:10.4).

In the single mixed relay, France triumphed despite having to complete two penalty loops, taking a clear win. Germany finished in second place (1+12; +42.0), and Norway earned third (3+14; +58.9).

The next international biathlon event will be held in Otepää from March 12–15, 2026, with the BMW IBU World Cup stage taking place at the Tehvandi Sports Centre.