2026 Olympics: Comprehensive Guide to Women’s 10km Biathlon Pursuit
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina will feature the highly anticipated Women’s 10km Biathlon Pursuit. This race showcases the top talents in biathlon, a sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.
Event Overview: Women’s 10km Biathlon Pursuit
The Women’s 10km Pursuit will take place on February 15, 2026, at 14:45 CET. In this event, the top 60 competitors from the Sprint competition will compete. Athletes begin the race based on their finishing time from the Sprint, with the fastest starting first.
Race Format
- Distance: 10km
- Shooting: Four stops—first two in prone position, last two standing.
- Penalty: Each missed target results in a 150-meter penalty loop.
Olympic Champions in Women’s 10km Pursuit
Since its inception, the Women’s 10km Pursuit has crowned several Olympic champions. Below are the past champions:
| Year | Location | Champion | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Albertville | Anfisa Reztsova | Russia |
| 1994 | Lillehammer | Myriam Bedard | Canada |
| 1998 | Nagano | Galina Kukleva | Russia |
| 2002 | Salt Lake City | Kati Wilhelm | Germany |
| 2006 | Turin | Florence Baverel-Robert | France |
| 2010 | Vancouver | Anastasia Kuzmina | Slovakia |
| 2014 | Sochi | Anastasia Kuzmina | Slovakia |
| 2018 | PyeongChang | Laura Dahlmeier | Germany |
| 2022 | Beijing | Marte Olsbu Røiseland | Norway |
Top Favorites for 2026
Several athletes are expected to excel in the Women’s 10km Pursuit:
- Lou Jeanmonnot (FRA) – Leading the World Cup with exceptional shooting skills.
- Hanna Öberg (SWE) – Experienced in side-by-side racing and known for her strong performance.
- Lisa Vittozzi (ITA) – Returns to form with a solid fan base and home advantage.
Potential Outsiders
- Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (FRA) – Needs a strong shooting day to be competitive.
- Elvira Öberg (SWE) – Known for her potential to perform under pressure.
- Franziska Preuss (GER) – Aiming to bounce back after facing challenges this season.
Biathlon and Olympic Schedule
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will feature numerous biathlon events. Key dates include:
- February 8: Mixed Relay, Men’s and Women’s
- February 10: Men’s 20km Individual
- February 11: Women’s 15km Individual
- February 12-18: Additional Men’s and Women’s events leading up to the Final Pursuit.
As the anticipation builds for the Women’s 10km Biathlon Pursuit, fans can expect thrilling performances in one of the most watched events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted in the picturesque Antholz-Anterselva region. Stay updated with all the latest news and insights on Filmogaz.com.