The best biathlete of the last decade, Norwegian Johannes Thingnes Boe, will not compete in Pokljuka this weekend due to the fever, as announced on the International Biathlon Union’s website. Already during Thursday’s race, as confirmed by Jakov Fak after his victory, the Norwegian felt unwell. Today, the Scandinavian team confirmed that Boe had already traveled North and would not take any risks with his performances.
“It is true that Johannes has chosen to travel home. It is more important for him to recover so that he can take part in the events in Holmenkollen next weekend,” said Norwegian national team manager Per Arne Botnan.
The athlete and the team hope he will be ready for next week’s races in Oslo, as these are his last in his career and a chance to say goodbye to his long-time fans.
The race is important for all biathlon fans at the stadiums and in front of their screens. Boe is fighting for the overall World Cup win with his compatriot Sturla Holm Laegreid, who placed second behind Jakov Fak in Pokljuka on Thursday. After the first race in Slovenia, where Boe finished 10th, Laegreid now has a 39-point lead.
“In hindsight, I shouldn’t have competed in the individual race yesterday. Racing while sick is not a good long-term strategy. I am sitting out in hopes of being 100% fit for my very last races in Holmenkollen in a week,” said the five-time World Cup overall winner, as quoted by the IBU.
