Otepää, Estonia – The biathlon World Cup circuit makes its return to Otepää, Estonia, from March 12th to 15th, 2026, marking the second time the Estonian resort has hosted a World Cup event and the first since the 2021/22 season. This event serves as a crucial stop on the calendar, the penultimate competition before the season finale, and a key preparation ground for next year’s World Championships similarly slated for Otepää. The competition will feature six races, and fans are eager to see how athletes adapt to the increasingly spring-like conditions.
Czech Team Ready for Estonian Challenge
The Czech biathlon team will field a squad of nine athletes – five men and four women – for the competition in Otepää, mirroring the lineup that competed in Kontiolahti. This was confirmed in a team announcement on March 10th, 2026. The men’s team consists of Michal Krčmář, Vítězslav Hornig, Mikuláš Karlík, Tomáš Mikyska, and Petr Hák. Representing the Czech women will be Lucie Charvátová, Tereza Voborníková, Jessica Jislová, and Tereza Vinklárková.
Unfortunately, Markéta Davidová will not participate in this stage of the World Cup, nor will she compete for the remainder of the season due to injury. Her absence is a significant loss for the Czech team, but the remaining athletes are prepared to compete at a high level.
Race Schedule: Otepää World Cup 2026 (All times are local to Otepää, Estonia – EET/UTC+2)
Here’s a detailed glance at the race schedule for the World Cup in Otepää:
- Thursday, March 12th, 15:15: Sprint – Men (10 km)
- Friday, March 13th, 15:15: Sprint – Women (7.5 km)
- Saturday, March 14th, 13:30: Pursuit – Men (12.5 km)
- Saturday, March 14th, 16:00: Pursuit – Women (10 km)
- Sunday, March 15th, 12:35: Mixed Relay (Pairs)
- Sunday, March 15th, 14:40: Mixed Relay (Quartets)
The weekend will culminate in the final mixed relay events of the season, providing a thrilling conclusion to the competition. These relays offer a unique tactical dynamic, and fans can expect exciting finishes.
Where to Watch
For fans looking to follow the action, live coverage will be available on the Czech Television’s ČT sport channel. Radiožurnál Sport will also provide live radio coverage of the event. This ensures that biathlon enthusiasts across the Czech Republic, and potentially internationally via streaming options, can stay up-to-date with all the developments from Otepää.
Otepää as a Preparatory Ground
Beyond being a World Cup stop, Otepää is also serving as a crucial testing ground for the 2027 World Championships. The conditions in March will provide valuable insights for organizers as they prepare for the larger event next year. The “medvídkově město” (bear town) is gearing up to welcome the world’s best biathletes once again, and the current competition is a vital step in that process.
The spring-like conditions present a unique challenge for the athletes. Warmer temperatures and potentially softer snow require adjustments to waxing strategies and shooting techniques. Successfully navigating these conditions will be key to success in Otepää. The ability to adapt to changing weather patterns is a hallmark of top biathletes, and this competition will undoubtedly test their versatility.
The Czech team, having competed recently in Kontiolahti, will be looking to build on their performances and gain valuable experience in these conditions. The continuity in the team lineup provides a sense of stability and allows the athletes to focus on refining their strategies and maximizing their potential.
As the biathlon season heads towards its climax, the World Cup in Otepää promises to deliver thrilling competition and valuable insights into the form of the leading athletes. The event is not only a showcase of athletic prowess but also a crucial step in the preparations for the 2027 World Championships, solidifying Otepää’s position as a key destination for biathlon fans.
Following the competition in Otepää, the biathlon World Cup circuit will move on to its final stage, where the overall standings and crystal globes will be decided. The stakes are high, and the athletes will be pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of glory.
