The French Ski Federation has announced its biathlon team for the upcoming World Cup in Otepää, Estonia, maintaining the same lineup from the previous event in Kontiolahti. Norway's team features one change, with Gro Randby replacing Siri Skar. The event, the eighth stage of the 2025/2026 season, runs from March 12 to 15 in Valga County.
On Monday, March 9, 2026, the French Ski Federation (FFS) revealed the biathletes selected for the Otepää World Cup, opting for no changes from the Kontiolahti squad. Leading the men's team is overall standings leader Eric Perrot, joined by Quentin Fillon-Maillet, Emilien Jacquelin, Fabien Claude, Oscar Lombardot, and Emilien Claude. The women's team includes yellow jersey holder Lou Jeanmonnot, alongside Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Océane Michelon, Julia Simon, Camille Bened, and Sophie Chauveau.
Earlier that day, the Norwegian Biathlon Association announced its 12-athlete squad, with a single adjustment in the women's lineup: Gro Randby, who recently achieved a sprint and pursuit double at the IBU Cup in Lake Placid, replaces Siri Skar. The Norwegian men are Johan-Olav Botn, Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen, Isak Frey, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Sturla Holm Lægreid, and Martin Uldal. The women comprise Juni Arnekleiv, Marthe Kraakstad Johansen, Maren Kirkeeide, Karoline Knotten, Gro Randby, and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold.
The competition schedule begins Thursday, March 12, with the men's 10km sprint at 3:15 p.m. Friday features the women's 7.5km sprint at 3:15 p.m. On Saturday, March 14, the men's 12.5km pursuit starts at 1:30 p.m., followed by the women's 10km pursuit at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, includes the mixed single relay at 12:35 p.m. and the mixed relay at 2:40 p.m. Eric Perrot enters with a 276-point lead over Sebastian Samuelsson, while Lou Jeanmonnot holds a 176-point advantage in the women's standings.
