Voborníková and Simonová Set for Tight Pursuit Race in Otepää

Tereza Voborníková of the Czech Republic is poised for a competitive pursuit race at the Biathlon World Cup in Otepää, Estonia, starting just 55 seconds behind leader Julia Simonová of France. The race is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 16:00 local time. Voborníková will share the start time with Swedish star Elvira Öbergová.

Voborníková’s Strong Sprint Performance

Voborníková secured 7th place in the Friday sprint event in Estonia, achieving her best sprint result to date with flawless shooting. She finished just two-tenths of a second behind Öbergová, setting the stage for a thrilling pursuit race. “There will be a lot to go for and I hope I will have time to rest,” Voborníková stated after the sprint.

Course Conditions and World Cup Standings

The Olympic bronze medalist commented on the challenging course conditions, noting the deep downhills during the sprint. Following the sprint, Voborníková has climbed 360 points in the World Cup interim standings, reaching 14th place. A strong finish in the pursuit, specifically an 8th-place result, would elevate her to 13th, surpassing Franziska Preussová, who has retired from the sport.

Other Contenders

Karoline Offigstad Knottenová of Norway will start nine seconds behind Simonová, whereas France’s Océane Michelonová will begin 16 seconds off the lead. The top five starters include Julia Simonová (FRA), Lisa Vittozziová (ITA) +3.0, Lou Jeanmonnotová (FRA) +23.0, Janina Hettichová-Walzová (GER) +25.0 and Océane Michelonová (FRA) +39.0.

Czech Representation

Lucie Charvátová will also compete in the pursuit race, starting 45th, two minutes and five seconds behind Simonová.

Full Start List

1. Julia Simonová (FRA)
2. Lisa Vittozziová (ITA) +3.0
3. Lou Jeanmonnotová (FRA) +23.0
4. Janina Hettichová-Walzová (GER) +25.0
5. Océane Michelonová (FRA) +39.0
6. Karoline Offigstad Knottenová (NOR) +46.0
7. Tereza Voborníková (CZE) +55.0
8. Elvira Öbergová (SWE) +55.0
9. Estere Volfová (LAT) +1:08.0
10. Susan Külmová (EST) +1:09.0
11. Suvi Minkkinenová (FIN) +1:10.0
12. Justine Braisazová-Bouchetová (FRA) +1:12.0
13. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevoldová (NOR) +1:18.0
14. Polona Klemenčičová (SLO) +1:19.0
15. Anna-Karin Heijdenbergová (SWE) +1:26.0
16. Rebecca Passlerová (ITA) +1:27.0
17. Anamarija Lampičová (SLO) +1:28.0
18. Anna Magnussonová (SWE) +1:28.0
19. Linn Gestblomová (SWE) +1:30.0
20. Lisa Theresa Hauserová (AUT) +1:32.0
21. Lora Hristovová (BUL) +1:32.0
22. Deedra Irwinová (USA) +1:33.0
23. Marlene Fichtnerová (GER) +1:34.0
24. Hanna Öbergová (SWE) +1:34.0
25. Ema Kapustová (SVK) +1:37.0
26. Inka Hämäläinenová (FIN) +1:37.0
27. Kamila Żuková (POL) +1:38.0
28. Vanessa Voigtová (GER) +1:39.0
29. Julia Tannheimerová (GER) +1:40.0
30. Anna Gandlerová (AUT) +1:40.0
31. Hannah Auchentallerová (ITA) +1:41.0
32. Nadia Moserová (CAN) +1:44.0
33. Aita Gasparinová (SUI) +1:46.0
34. Lena Häckiová-Grossová (SUI) +1:50.0
35. Natalia Sidorowiczová (POL) +1:51.0
36. Lotte Lieová (BEL) +1:51.0
37. Sophie Chauveauová (FRA) +1:52.0
38. Margie Freedová (USA) +1:53.0
39. Lydia Mettlerová (SUI) +1:55.0
40. Michela Carraraová (ITA) +1:59.0
41. Tamara Steinerová (AUT) +2:04.0
42. Joanna Jakielová (POL) +2:04.0
43. Paulina Bátovská-Fialková (SVK) +2:05.0
44. Anna Mąková (POL) +2:05.0
45. Lucie Charvátová (CZE) +2:06.0
46. Julia Kinková (GER) +2:11.0
47. Camille Benedová (FRA) +2:13.0
48. Maren Kirkeeideová (NOR) +2:14.0
49. Lea Meierová (SUI) +2:15.0