Kontiolahti, Finland – The Czech women’s biathlon team is set to compete in the final event of the World Cup stop in Kontiolahti on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the women’s 4x6km relay. The team, comprised of Jessica Jislová, Lucie Charvátová, Tereza Voborníková, and Tereza Vinklárková, will look to build on recent strong performances as Vinklárková prepares for retirement at the end of the season.
This quartet previously competed together in Ruhpolding in January and at the Olympic Anterselva event, where they were in contention for a medal after three legs. The team’s recent form has been encouraging, particularly after all four athletes finished within the top 30 in Thursday’s individual pursuit race – the best team performance of the season, according to reports.
A Farewell Relay for Vinklárková
The Kontiolahti relay holds added significance as it will be the final race for Tereza Vinklárková in this team configuration. Vinklárková, who reportedly faced one penalty lap, played a crucial role in bringing the Czech team back into the top five with a clean shooting performance. Her impending retirement adds an emotional layer to the competition.
Voborníková’s Stellar Form
Tereza Voborníková has been a standout performer for the Czech team recently. The 25-year-old from Vrchlabí secured a bronze medal in the Olympic mass start, finished fourth in the Kontiolahti individual pursuit, and placed fifth in the mass start event. Her excellent shooting and strong skiing have been key to the team’s success.
Competition and Starting Position
The Czech team will start from the third row with the seventh bib number. The French team, consisting of Camille Bened, Lou Jeanmonnot, Oceane Michelon, and Julie Simonova – the same lineup that won Olympic gold – will start as favorites from the first position. Strong competition is similarly expected from the Swedish team, who have consistently placed on the podium in Kontiolahti’s individual events.
Recent Results and Team Dynamics
The Czech team recently finished fifth in the Ruhpolding World Cup relay on January 14, 2026, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level. The team’s success in Ruhpolding was largely attributed to excellent shooting, with the best shooting result of the race across the first three legs. However, a slower final leg prevented them from securing a higher placing.
Lucie Charvátová finished 21st in a recent individual race, followed closely by Tereza Vinklárková in 22nd, and Jessica Jislová in 29th. These individual results highlight the overall strength and depth of the Czech biathlon squad.
Looking Ahead: Men’s Mass Start
The Biathlon World Cup in Kontiolahti will conclude with the men’s mass start race at 16:55 local time (UTC+2). Michal Krčmář and Vítězslav Hornig will represent the Czech Republic in this event.
This relay represents a significant opportunity for the Czech women’s team to finish the Kontiolahti World Cup on a high note, particularly as they bid farewell to a valued teammate in Tereza Vinklárková. The combination of strong individual performances and a cohesive team dynamic positions them as contenders for a top-five finish.
The team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they aim to translate their recent success into a memorable result in Finland.
Next up, all eyes turn to the men’s mass start, where Krčmář and Hornig will look to add to the Czech Republic’s tally of results at the Kontiolahti World Cup.
