Back in November 2020, Sturla Holm Laegreid slipped on the Yellow Bib after winning the season-opening Kontiolahti 20 km Individual, promptly losing it in the next day’s Sprint. Fast forward to last Saturday, four plus years later, and Laegreid donned the Yellow Bib for the second time, unseating Johannes Thingnes Boe from the top spot. On Sunday, he defended the bib with a 20-for-20 Antholz Pursuit victory, going into the final trimester leading the World Cup Total Score.

It has been a long journey back to Yellow for the 27-year-old; twice finishing second to JT in the Total Score before falling to fourth last season. This season, Laegreid’s shooting is back to 90+% and the Norwegian is on a roll once again with two victories while only missing the top six in two of the fourteen individual competitions.

After his Antholz Pursuit win, Laegreid answered our Five Burning Questions plus one about his favorite hobby, playing the guitar.

Biathlonworld: Back in Yellow, what did that moment feel like, after so much time chasing Johannes?

Sturla Holm Laegreid: It was a very special moment for me to claim the Yellow Bib after Friday’s sprint. Johannes has been dominant in the sport for many years, but I want to challenge him before he retires. Getting Yellow now means I can stay in the fight until the last races, like 4 years ago, and it’s a battle I’m looking forward to!

BW: All of the guys around you were smiling, is it special to have great teammates around you in both the high and low points?

SHL: Yes, having a good team spirit is in my opinion alpha and omega! It creates a safe space that’s both supportive and competitive, a healthy mix to cultivate growth. We are always backing each other when things are not going as they should, but we also push each other to reach new heights.

BW: You are back on a roll on the shooting range, anything different from last season?

SHL: I figured out that «easy does it». I’m trying to not complicate things and just do the job on the range, and it seems to work! The only thing different from last season is a new stock that makes a faster drill in standing that may save me some precious seconds.

BW: After a couple of good races in Antholz, are you more psyched than ever about your prospects in 2026?

SHL: I’m really looking forward to the Olympics next year, and especially after my wondrous weekend! I feel like I finally figured out Antholz and how to do well here, just in time for the Olympics next year.

BW: You were 13 when Tarjei won the Total Score, did you ever imagine back then you would be teammates, let alone share the podium frequently?

SHL: Sturla at thirteen was a dreamer and he could imagine many things, but I’m sure he would be shocked if he saw me now! Tarjei has always been an idol, and I feel honored to get to know him like I do. After his retirement announcement, I cherish every moment I get to share the podium with him. He’s definitely a guy I will remember, both as an athlete but most importantly as a person.

Biathlonworld Bonus: What are your top three songs that you play on your guitar?

SHL: Top three songs I like to play are: Cliffs of Dover - Eric Johnson (for a challenge), Lenny - Stevie Ray Vaughan (for the feels), and Shoot to Thrill - AC/DC (for the Rock and Roll🤘).

For Sturla Holm Laegreid, biathlon is a challenging game, filled with friends, teammates and emotions, but in the long run, maybe “it's only rock and roll!"

Photos: IBU/Yevenko, Nordic Focus