Overview

• Johannes Thingnes Bö, a five-time Olympic champion, has withdrawn from the Biathlon World Cup in Pokljuka due to fever and a persistent illness.
• His absence from the mass start race on Saturday allows teammate Sturla Holm Laegreid to potentially extend his 39-point lead in the overall standings.
• Despite being unwell, Bö competed in Thursday's individual event, finishing 10th, far behind Laegreid, who placed second.
• Bö is aiming to recover in time for the season finale in Oslo next week, where he hopes to secure his sixth overall World Cup title and retire on a high note.
• Thousands of fans are expected to attend the Oslo event to bid farewell to both Johannes and his brother Tarjei Bö, who are concluding their biathlon careers.