On Monday, there was a hint of competitive sport in the South Tyrol Arena for the first time as the world's best biathletes completed their first training laps and shot themselves in at the shooting range. Full spectator stands, marquee, biathlon village - everything is ready for the World Cup stage in the Antholz Valley.

The South Tyrolean fans are eagerly awaiting Dorothea Wierer. After a month's break - her last start was in Lenzerheide in mid-December - the 33-year-old from Rasun is returning to the biathlon circuit at her home competition in Antholz. This year, Wierer has only stood on the podium once, at the opening event in Östersund with the mixed relay (3rd place). Now Wierer wants to get back to the top on her home track in the Südtirol Arena.

A total of 11 "Azzurri" are registered in Antholz. In addition to Wierer, current overall World Cup bronze medallist Lisa Vittozzi, local hero Rebecca Passler as well as Samuela Comola, Michela Carrara and debutant Sara Scattolo are in the women's line-up, while the men's line-up includes the hosts Lukas Hofer and Patrick Braunhofer, the in-form Tommaso Giacomel, Didier Bionaz and Elia Zeni.

Short Individual celebrates its European premiere
This year's World Cup program in Antholz will see the European premiere of the Short Individual on the first two days. This competition has only been held once before, in Canmore in 2019. It is a shortened individual competition, the running distances are reduced to 15 km for the men and 12.5 km for the women and instead of a penalty minute, only a penalty time of 45 seconds is charged for a shooting error. The men start on Thursday at 2.20 pm, the women's start on Friday has been brought forward to 1.40 pm. On Saturday 20 January, two mixed team events will take place, first the single mixed relay (one woman and one man) and then the team mixed relay (two women and two men). Finally, the World Cup week ends on Sunday with the spectacular mass start races.

Last World Championship test
However, the World Cup in Antholz has a special significance for all athletes this year, as it will be the last endurance test before the season highlight, the World Championships in Nove Mesto. Accordingly, many of the top stars will be trying to put the finishing touches to their training in the South Tyrol arena.

The World Cup program in Antholz/Anterselva:
Thursday, 18 January 2024
14.20: 15 km Short Individual Men

Friday, 19 January 2024
13.40: 12.5 km Short Individual Women

Saturday, 20 January 2024
12.55: Single Mixed Relay
14.45: 4 x 6 km Mixed Relay

Sunday, 21 January 2024
12.30: 15 km Mass Start Men
14.45: 12.5 km Mass Start Women