2026 Winter Olympics: Biathlon Picks & Predictions
2026 Winter Olympics: Biathlon Picks
Biathlon is sure to be one of the most popular sports during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina.
With several American athletes participating this year, the biathlon will be at the heart of our picks during the Milan-Cortina games, starting on February 6th!
Winter Olympic Biathlon: Our Picks for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games
Held every four years, the 2026 Winter Olympics are returning to Europe after the last two editions in Asia (South Korea and China). For two weeks, biathlon will take center stage in Antholz-Anterselva, where 11 events will be held from February 8th to 21st.
During this fortnight, the races will follow one another with four individual events for both men and women, as well as three relays, for a total of 11 titles up for grabs.
Find all our predictions for biathlon at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, with our analysis, advice, and sports betting tips.
2026 Winter Olympics: Men's 20km Individual Pick
The most grueling discipline, with 20km to cover on skis and where the slightest mistake is punished immediately (1-minute penalty), the Individual is always a unique event where the most well-rounded biathletes are rewarded.
Winner of the only race held this season in Östersund, Johan-Olav Botn is one of the favorites. While his Norwegian teammates (Uldal, Laegreid) and the French (Eric Perrot and Quentin Fillon Maillet) will be formidable opponents, the Scandinavian's consistency (he has never finished outside the top five this season) and the extra motivation he has gained from the death of his friend Sivert Bakken make Johan-Olav Botn our favorite for the gold medal.
- Our pick for the winner of the Men's Individual: Johan-Olav Botn to win gold!
2026 Winter Olympics: Women's 15km Individual Pick
Winner of last season's World Cup in this discipline, Lou Jeanmonnot could win her first Olympic title in this first individual race. Leading the overall standings, the Frenchwoman combines precision at the shooting range with fluidity on the track.
In a race where Italy's Dorothea Wierer and Lisa Vittozzi will be ones to watch, Lou Jeanmonnot seems to have a head start on her rivals in this 15km Individual event.
- Our pick for the winner of the Women's Individual: Lou Jeanmonnot to take gold!
2026 Winter Olympics: Men's Sprint Pick
In front of his tifosi, Tommaso Giacomel could be the man of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Italian is not the same this season, with four victories to his name, including two in the Sprint, which makes him the leader in the discipline as well as the wearer of the red overall jersey.
One of the fastest on skis and most composed at the shooting range in this Olympic year, the Italian biathlete is a contender for Olympic gold in Antholz-Anterselva, both in the Sprint and in the Pursuit, which will take place a few days later.
- Our pick for the winner of the Men's Sprint: Tommaso Giacomel to take gold!
2026 Winter Olympics: Women's Sprint Pick
In a very open discipline, the Women's Sprint sees half a dozen biathletes in contention for victory, including Lou Jeanmonnot, Hanna Oeberg, Elvira Oeberg, Suvi Minkkinen, and Lisa Vittozzi.
In front of her home crowd, the Italian could take advantage of the incredible atmosphere in Antholz-Anterselva to go for an Olympic title. After sitting out the previous season, the Italian made a tentative return to the circuit. But with her form on the rise, confirmed by two convincing recent sprints (4th in Annecy and 3rd in Ruhpolding), Lisa Vittozzi has prepared herself for these 2026 Olympics, and it would be no surprise to see the winner of the 2023/2024 overall ranking win one or more medals.
- Our pick for the winner of the Women's Sprint: Lisa Vittozzi to take gold!
2026 Winter Olympics: Men's Relay Pick
As reigning Olympic and World Champions, Norway will be the big favorites for the 2026 Olympic Relay. Despite the retirement of the Boe brothers, the Scandinavian team remains the strongest, as evidenced by their three wins in four relays this season.
While France, Italy, and Sweden will be Norway's main competitors, Sturla Holm Lægreid, Martin Uldal, Johan-Olav Botn, and Johannes Dale are determined to bring Olympic gold to their country.
- Our pick for the winner of the Men's Relay: Norway will take gold!
2026 Winter Olympics: Women's Relay Pick
With two victories this season, the French team will be the hot favorite going into this Olympic Relay. Led by Lou Jeanmonnot, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Julia Simon, and Océane Michelon, the French relay team won the gold medal at last year's World Championships.
Dominant for three seasons, the French team must go for gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, regardless of the competition from Norway, Sweden, and Italy.
- Our pick for the winner of the Women's Relay: France to take gold!
Biathlon at the 2026 Olympics: Event schedule
Here are the dates and times of all the Biathlon events at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. All times are listed in local time:
Sunday, February 8 at 2:05 p.m.: Mixed RelayTuesday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m.: Men's Individual- Wednesday, February 11 at 2:15 p.m.: Women's Individual
- Friday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m.: Men's Sprint
- Saturday, February 14 at 2:45 p.m.: Women's Sprint
- Sunday, February 15 at 11:15 a.m.: Men's Pursuit
- Sunday, February 15 at 2:45 p.m.: Women's Pursuit
- Tuesday, February 17 at 2:30 p.m.: Men's Relay
- Wednesday, February 18 at 2:45 p.m.: Women's Relay
- Friday, February 20 at 2:15 p.m.: Men's Mass Start
- Saturday, February 21 at 2:15 p.m.: Women's Mass Start
As you can see, biathletes have a busy schedule ahead of them during these two weeks of Olympic competition.
The best among them will be able to compete in four individual events in addition to the relays. Weather conditions, fatigue from the grueling schedule, surprises, and disappointments, as always, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be unpredictable and spectacular.
But we will be there throughout the two weeks of competition to give you our best advice so that you can place your bets with all the information you need.
For other sports, you can also check out our comprehensive betting picks page.
How to Accurately Pick Biathlon Events at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Let's break down the top tips that will guide you throughout the 2026 Winter Olympics, covering Biathlon and other sports.
SportyTrader's expert tips will help you make your predictions under the best possible conditions, giving you a chance to shine during this Olympic fortnight:
- Review the season’s results
- Consider race conditions (weather, illnesses, etc.)
- Understand the specifics of each discipline before betting
- Respect your bankroll
- Compare odds
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each tip.
Review the season’s results
International tournaments are a great way to understand the strengths of the athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Unsurprisingly, results from earlier in the winter will indicate which biathletes are worth betting on during this Olympic period.
Keep a close eye on recent performances. Some athletes have made the 2026 Olympics their priority, carefully preparing to peak starting in January.
We highly recommend that before placing your bets, you check the latest results and read our expert articles for all the essential information you need to make informed biathlon predictions for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
Consider race conditions (weather, illnesses, etc.)
As with any outdoor sport, weather conditions play a major role, affecting snow quality and shooting accuracy.
Unpredictable weather can change snow conditions depending on temperature, requiring technicians to work hard to ensure athletes can maintain speed on the course.
Wind and fog can also disrupt the shooting range, making perfect 5/5 sequences difficult for competitors.
Before finalizing your biathlon bets, take the time to check athletes’ health. In winter sports, even a minor virus can undo years of preparation. In February, a simple cold can be devastating. Stay vigilant about biathletes’ health!
Know the specifics of each event before betting
It’s important to understand each event before placing a biathlon bet, as certain races favor specific athletes more than others.
- The Individual is the longest race, favoring solo endurance.
- The Sprint requires intense effort over a shorter distance.
- Pursuit and Mass Start encourage direct competition, motivating athletes in head-to-head situations on both the course and shooting range.
- Relays inspire athletes to excel for the team, often producing exceptional performances.
Each race has unique characteristics and factors to consider before making your predictions during the 2026 Olympics.
Respect your bankroll
Never forget: the money you bet comes from your own account. It’s essential to manage your budget responsibly to avoid financial trouble. Betting carries risks, so if issues arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to specialized support (contact numbers are available on bookmaker sites).
Sportsbooks understand the risks and now offer tools to help you manage your budget (weekly limits, betting limits, etc.). Use these tools to avoid unpleasant surprises during and after the Olympic Games.
For the 2026 Olympics, we recommend betting no more than 2% of your total bankroll per wager, focusing on odds under 2. For a $100 budget, that would mean betting $2 on safer, low-risk options to protect your capital over multiple bets.
Compare odds
It's no secret that money is the key factor in sports betting. Your goal is to optimize your wagers to maximize potential profits on winning predictions (with our tips!). For biathlon events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, always compare odds before placing a bet.
All US sportsbooks will offer Olympic bets, and odds can vary significantly between sites for the same event. Depending on the sportsbook, potential winnings may differ.
Sign up with multiple betting sites. This strategy allows you to take advantage of welcome bonuses and to place bets on each event at the best available odds, a smart way to increase your profits throughout the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
Olympic Biathlon Betting Mistakes to Avoid
The tips below will help you make the right choices and bet under optimal conditions during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
However, it is also important to remember certain rules and mistakes to avoid when making your biathlon predictions during the 2026 Olympics:
- Don't rely solely on the biathletes' track records
- Avoid impulse betting
- Never try to chase losses after a losing bet
- Don't bet without knowing about biathlon and its disciplines
- Don't bet without analyzing the race and the contenders for victory
The fervor surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics should not change your betting habits. Stay true to your betting principles and maintain a personal approach when placing your bets.
Sportsbooks will be redoubling their creativity to attract new bettors, but if you apply all of our tips above, you will be in the best position to come out on top at the 2026 Olympics thanks to your sports bets.
In Conclusion: Making Precise Biathlon Bets for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games
Maximizing your winnings during the 2026 Winter Olympics and making successful biathlon picks will require you to follow all of the advice listed on our page: analyze the events, set a budget, compare sportsbook odds, and manage your bets carefully.
Our experts will be at your side throughout the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, offering detailed analysis and predictions for each biathlon event from February 8 to 21.
There's no doubt about it, SportyTrader will be there throughout the 2026 Olympics to help you bet calmly and intelligently on biathlon during the most eagerly awaited fortnight of sport of the year.
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