Laegreid claims victory on the opening day in Otepää, Siimer delivers career-best World Cup result

On the opening day of the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup in Otepää, held at Tehvandi Sports Centre from 12 to 15 March, the men’s 10 km sprint took place. Norway’s Sturla Holm Laegreid claimed victory, while Kristo Siimer was the best-placed Estonian in 15th, marking the best World Cup result of his career.

A total of 106 athletes started in the men’s sprint, and in a closely contested race, the win went to Sturla Holm Laegreid of Norway (0+0). France’s Emilien Jacquelin finished second (0+0; +10.7), while Germany’s Philipp Nawrath placed third (0+0; +17.8).

Speaking at the finish, winner Sturla Holm Laegreid said it felt very good to be back in Otepää after four years. “I was here eight years ago for the Youth and Junior World Championships, so I have known these tracks since then. I should also mention that my very first fan is from Estonia, so Otepää will always remain a special place for me,” said Laegreid. “I can’t really say whether it feels easier to compete after the Olympics because there is less pressure, but it is probably true that there is no greater pressure than before the Olympics. So right now, everything somehow feels a bit lighter.”

Kristo Siimer was the best of the Estonians, finishing in an impressive 15th place, which is the best World Cup result of his career so far. “It was my best race of the season, and I’m very happy that it came in front of the home crowd,” said Siimer. “During the first home World Cup stage in 2022, there was a lot more going on and I let myself get carried away by everything around me, but this time I managed to stay calm. It was definitely even cooler to compete here than at the Olympics, and today I got exactly the emotion I came here looking for.”

Siimer also drew extra motivation from a special show of support along the course. Near Hobuseraua climb, he was greeted by a large sign featuring his own face. “The sign was made by my friend who likes to surprise me. She also made my first fan flag, and this time she came up with the idea of a poster with my face on it. I noticed it already during warm-up, and it was such a great feeling to see it there,” said Siimer.

Among the other Estonians, Mark-Markos Kehva also qualified for Saturday’s pursuit race, finishing 50th (0+0; +2:09.6). Rene Zahkna placed 61st (0+2; +2:28.8), and Jakob Kulbin finished 68th (2+1; +2:47.7).