Back problems forced Lisa Vittozzi to sit out the first Biathlon World Cup stage of the season in Finland. Now, the Italian Federation announced that the defending Total Score Champion will also miss the stages in Hochfilzen and Annecy - Le Grand-Bornand.

Vittozzi continues preparations in Obertilliach

The Italian will not be at the start gate during the first three World Cup stages this winter. As per a FISI Press Release, Vittozzi is currently recovering from a back problem that has forced her to slow down her preparation a lot in recent weeks. In agreement with the technical staff, the Italian has decided to skip the remaining competitions in 2024 to be ready for the fourth World Cup in Oberhof (GER) in January 2025.

Over the weekend, it was also announced that one of Vittozzi's fiercest rivals in the 2023-2024 Total Score Battle, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, will also miss the stage in Hochfilzen (AUT) after struggling with heart issues during the Opening World Cup stage in Kontiolahti (FIN).