When you pose questions to a Eurosport commentator, a multi-World Cup Total Score winner, two Olympic Gold medalists and a two-time IBU WCH medalist, it is no surprise no one agreed if JT Boe would retain his World Cup Total Score title and which women would battle for the title.

Our Experts:

Mona Brorsson: winner of Olympic Gold and Silver Relay medals, SVT Sport commentator

Weronika Nowakowska, IBU WCH Silver and Bronze medalist, TVP biathlon expert studio host

Kaisa Makarainen, 3-time IBU World Cup Total Score winner, YLE biathlon studio host

Dario Puppo, 26th year: Italian Eurosport Commentator for biathlon and multiple sports

Denise Herrmann-Wick, Olympic and IBU WCH Gold medalist

The Questions

Do you expect Lisa Vittozzi to win the World Cup Total Score again? (most answers submitted before Vittozzi announced her withdrawal for Kontiolahti)

MB: I expect it to be a great fight and see many contenders. But I think Ingrid learned a lot from last season and will come out on top.

WN: I think Vittozzi is one of the favourites for the big Crystal Globe, but Simon, Braisaz-Bouchet and Jeanmonnot will fight equally bravely.

KM: For sure, Vittozzi will be one of the names everyone including me will be watching. If she keeps last season’s level, she will be very difficult to beat. Like last season, the French are very strong; they are the biggest threats to her. We will only know about the Total Score after Christmas. The beginning of the season can bring very different results.

DP: I am very confident Lisa Vittozzi will position herself to compete for the Total Score again (t is also clear that the French athletes will aim to peak in form for their home stage, which closes the first trimester.

DH: I think Lisa will be very strong but expect a French girl to take the Total Score.

Top 3

DH: Julia Simon, Lou Jeanmonnot

DP: Simon, Tandrevold, Vittozzi

MB: Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, Jeanmonnot, Elvira Oeberg

KM: Vittozzi, French girls, Tandrevold

WN: Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Vittozzi, Jeanmonnot

Who can challenge Johannes Thingnes Boe for the Men’s World Cup Total Score?

DP: This question cannot have too long an answer: Johannes Thingnes Boe is the clear favorite, much like Tadej Pogacar in cycling or Jannik Sinner in tennis. I don’t see anyone capable of dethroning him. As for the top three, I expect it to be dominated by Norwegians, with Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen likely more competitive this season. A non-Norwegian would be Sebastian Samuelsson.

MB: Samuelsson did his homework this year and will challenge JT. But I also think we will see a lot more from Eric Perrot.

KM: The other Norwegians are Johannes’ biggest challengers. Looking at the Sjusjoen results, JT was not in the top three but does not have to be in shape now. It is very hard to get a place on the World Cup or IBU Cup teams, so the others have to be in good shape now to get a place. His spot is safe, so he can train and does not be in that good shape now, just like it was for me. I could always train right up until the World Cup season started and was never in super shape in mid-November.

WN: Realistically-I don't know, but I assume it might be some Norwegian or Samuelsson.

Top 3 Men

DH: Tarjei Boe, Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen, Quentin Fillon Maillet

WN: JT, Samuelsson, Laegreid

DP: JT, Christiansen, Laegreid

MB: Samuelsson, JT, Perrot

KM: JT and two other Norwegians

Last year, Tommy Giacomel, Perrot and Lou Jeanmonnot became podium contenders, who will make that leap this season?

MB: Johan-Olav Botn, given that he makes it into the tough Norwegian team. Anna-Karin Heidenberg; not saying this because I'm Swedish. Just keep an eye on her, I'm sure she'll give us some big surprises.

DP: I would like it to be Campbell Wright and Anna Gandler. Probably, one of the young German women has breakthrough potential.

DH: I think Julia Tannheimer, Oceane Michelon and Campbell Wright will have big seasons.

WN: I like Tereza Vobornikova, Kamila Żuk, Jeanne Richard, Tomas Mikyska, and Wright as the names to watch.

KM: For sure, we will see a new name from Norway in the men’s side, maybe Johan-Olav Botn. On the women’s side, it might be one of the young Germans.

What are the prospects for your “home team?”

DP: For the Italians, the most important aspect is two women capable of winning the Total Score racing side-by-side, competing for victories. I believe Dorothea Wierer will again fight for top spots; a scenario nearly unique in Italian winter sports history. I’m curious to see how these dynamic shapes the team, which I expect to be vibrant and deliver strong results.

I hope Tommy Giacomel can inspire the team to improve, especially in relays. While the men’s team has limited depth, but the potential for high-quality quartet. As for Giacomel, this could be the year of his first major success.

DH: The men’s team is strong; all the boys are at a high level and can fight for flowers in every competition. They are also really strong in the relay and hopefully can beat the Norwegians in some competitions. The women’s team is really young. Franzi is the leader and if in normal shape can fight for the podium. I think the young girls can make some surprises especially Tannheimer. I‘m looking forward to an interesting season.

KM: Venla Lehtonen won both season opening races in Kontiolahti with a big gap. Suuvi Minkinnen was very tired, but her shooting is very stable and very fast. The men have five starts and a wider range of talent. Young Jimi Klemettinen skied really well and had good results but will start in the IBU Cup. I am really curious if he can take the step Otto Invenius took last winter and if Otto can continue to move up this winter.

WN: I'm waiting for Kamila Żuk as she returns from injury; the second part of the season will be successful. In the first races I will watch Joanna Jakiela and the women's relay team. In the men's team, I expect good performances for Jan Guńka. Monika Hojnisz returns after pregnancy; perhaps we will see her in the second part of the season. I always support biathlon mothers!

MB: I think both Hanna and Elvira will be in the Total Score fight as long as they stay healthy. New girls Anna Karin Heidenberg and Ella Halvarsson have shown great development and will establish themselves quickly. Martin Ponsiluoma and Samuelsson will be two of the fastest skiers and fight for podiums in every competition. I think Samuelsson will be the very best when we sum up the season.

Photos: IBU/Christian Manzoni, Kaisa Makarainen