Swedish Biathletes Prepare for Annecy with Squad Changes

Anna Magnusson currently leads the overall World Cup standings,Malte Stefansson achieved a career-first podium finish,and Sweden secured an extraordinary four podium places.It was a fantastic week for the Swedish team at the world Cup competitions in Hochfilzen.

The upcoming event in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, the future host of the 2030 Olympic Winter Games, is a venue where Sweden has consistently performed well, earning numerous individual podium finishes. On Sunday, the season’s first mass start competition will take place.

Before heading to France, the Swedish squad is making some adjustments. Henning Sjökvist,Oscar Andersson,and Anna-Karin Heijdenberg will join the team after strong performances in the IBU Cup,marking their season debut in the World Cup. Simultaneously occurring, Linn Gestblom, in agreement with the national team management, has decided to return home to focus on shoulder rehabilitation and a dedicated training period. Viktor Brandt became ill during the Hochfilzen week and is now recovering in Östersund.

“We have a lot of depth in the team right now,with many athletes proving they deserve a chance in the World Cup,” says Johannes Lukas,the biathlon association’s head coach. “Its also significant to make decisions with the long term in mind. For linn, it’s about giving her body the time it needs and creating the best possible conditions for the rest of the season.”

Oscar Andersson is set to make his World Cup debut. He’s been a member of Team Autoexpert for several years and has competed in events like the Roller Ski Shooting World Cup. Most recently, he raced against top international competitors at the Loop One competition in Munich in October, finishing sixth in his heat.

“It feels incredibly inspiring to make my debut,” Andersson said.