Östersund, Sweden – The Czech biathlon team is opting for a slightly unconventional lineup as they compete in the mixed relay at the World Cup in Östersund on Saturday, November 30, 2025. With veteran Michal Krčmář showing signs of fatigue after the sprint competition, coaches have decided to give younger athletes an opportunity, a move that highlights the team’s focus on developing its depth.
The Czech Republic will be the third team to start in the mixed relay, which features a total of 24 nations. This will be the first mixed relay experience for both Mikuláš Karlík and Tereza Vinklárková, adding an element of anticipation to the Czech team’s performance. “We may have done things a little unconventionally, but Michal Krčmář seemed quite exhausted,” explained coach Michael Málek. “He didn’t have much left in the tank during the pursuit, so we decided to conserve him.”
Notably, only Jessica Jislová will return from the Czech mixed relay teams that achieved a fifth-place finish in Östersund earlier this season and a third-place result at home in Nové Město na Moravě. The coaching staff is placing their trust in Jislová to navigate what is expected to be challenging wind conditions on the shooting range. “We believe Jessica can handle the expected windy conditions on the shooting range,” Málek added, while also expressing confidence in Karlík’s strong running form, which he demonstrated at recent competitions in Estonia.
The mixed relay format, a staple of the biathlon World Cup, tests a team’s versatility and strategic depth. Each team consists of two men and two women, completing legs in the following order: female, male, female, male. The Östersund event, the opening round of the 2025/2026 World Cup season, runs from November 29th to December 7th, 2025, and includes a variety of events including sprints, individual races, mass start races, men’s and women’s relays, mixed relays, and mixed duo races.
Looking at the competition, Norway and France are considered the favorites. Norway will field a strong team comprised of Dale-Skjevdal, Botn, Tandrevoldová, and Kirkeeideová. France is also presenting a formidable lineup with Lombardot, Claude, Braisaz-Bouchetová, and Michelonová – a team that largely mirrors the one that secured a silver medal in the relay at the previous event in Nové Město.
Italy, the winners of the January mixed relay, are fielding a completely different quartet for this event. However, other teams, such as Sweden with Elvira Öberg as the anchor, and Germany with Nawrath leading off, could also pose a threat. Interestingly, France’s top performers, Perrot and Jeanmonnotová, will be skipping the mixed relay to focus on the upcoming final stage of the World Cup series, scheduled to begin on Thursday at Holmenkollen in Norway.
The decision to rest Krčmář comes after a challenging pursuit race where he appeared to be struggling with fatigue. This strategic move underscores the Czech team’s commitment to long-term planning and athlete well-being throughout the demanding World Cup season. The team is clearly looking to balance immediate results with the need to keep key athletes fresh for the challenges ahead.
This year’s competition in Östersund marks a return to the venue, which previously hosted a World Championship event in 2012. The Östersund Ski Stadium is the location for all the races, and the event is a key early-season indicator of form for biathletes as they prepare for the remainder of the World Cup circuit.
The Czech team’s lineup reflects a blend of experience and opportunity. While Jislová provides a steady presence, the inclusion of Karlík and Vinklárková offers a chance for these rising stars to showcase their talent on the international stage. The team will be looking to build on their previous successes in the mixed relay format and establish themselves as contenders throughout the season.
The mixed relay in Östersund promises to be a thrilling event, with several strong teams vying for the top spot. The Czech team, with its unconventional lineup and strategic approach, will be aiming to make a strong impression and set the tone for their campaign in the 2025/2026 Biathlon World Cup season.
Following the mixed relay, the Biathlon World Cup in Östersund continues with further individual and team events. The series then moves to Hochfilzen, Germany, for the next round of competition. Fans can follow the action and results on the official Biathlon World Cup website and through various sports broadcasters.
