Overview
- NRK, reported by SPORT1, said Botn will not start in Ruhpolding due to a lingering cold picked up over the Christmas period.
- The Norwegian also missed Oberhof, where Giacomel won twice to take the yellow bib and open his current lead.
- It remains uncertain whether Botn will race again before the Olympics, with Nove Mesto the last World Cup chance for race practice.
- Norway has a Lavazè preparation camp scheduled, though coverage notes the team could consider sending Botn to Nove Mesto instead if he is ready.
- Botn told NRK the decision was a late 50/50 call and that his priority is the Olympics, where the first biathlon event is the mixed relay on February 8.