The biathlon season so far has been sobering for Tarjei Bö. Nevertheless, the winter sportsman believes that he still deserves his place in the Norwegian World Cup team.
With only 82 points, Tarjei Bö currently ranks 22nd in the men’s overall standings. The eleven-time world champion and three-time Olympic champion certainly has higher expectations of himself. In his home country, too, the first criticism of the performances achieved so far this winter has come up.
When asked what he would say to the people who would remove him from the World Cup team, Bö replied to “NRK”: “Then I say that you have no idea.”
In general, the Norwegian team is setting the tone in biathlon this season. Johannes Thingnes Bö has been extremely dominant so far and is first in the overall World Cup (389 points). Sturla Holm Laegreid (325) follows in second place.
With Filip Fjeld Andersen (9th place/155 points), Vetle Sjästad Christiansen (12th/134) and Johannes Dale (15th/126), three more Norwegians are ahead of Tarjei Bö.
Support from the Biathlon Manager
“We have a lot of good athletes and both me and Vetle [Sjästad Christiansen] were a bit below average this year, especially on the shooting range, but everyone at home knows what a top level we are at,” the 34-year-old told Norwegian TV.
National team manager Per Arne Botnan supported Bö. “Tarjei needs small adjustments and it’s easiest to follow up when he’s here with the national team rather than going home,” said the official.
In the coming days, Bö can give the answer at the shooting range and on the cross-country ski run. From December 15th to 18th, the Biathlon World Cup will be hosted in Annecy, France.