Biathlon legend shoots against superstar from his own country: "Not on the ball!"

Sjusjøen (Norway) - Much ado about nothing, or a real dip in form? The first World Cup kilometers in the cross-country ski run have not yet been completed, the first shots have not been put on the target, and then there is the first serious dispute in the Norwegian biathlon.

Legend Ole Einar Björndalen (50) has attacked five-time Olympic champion Johannes Thingnes Bö (31) after the annual test races.

After the dominator of the last decade only finished tenth in the sprint and 17th in the mass start at the internal competitions near Lillehammer, Björndalen voiced harsh criticism on TV2.

"He wasn't fully focused and not in the right shape. He seems to be struggling with something. I can't say whether it's physical, mental or family-related, but he's clearly not himself," said the expert.

Bö is chasing Björndalen's records and has set himself big goals, even though he recently made it clear that his career will definitely end after the Winter Olympics in Cortina and Milan 2026.

"Johannes is the one who has put the pressure on himself to be in top form for Kontiolahti," added Björndalen.

The new season kicks off next Sunday with the World Cup in Finland.

Johannes Thingnes Bö's teammates are not at all worried about their exceptional athlete. "Those of us who doubt Johannes are stupid. If he is not the best skier in the world in Kontiolahti, then he will be in Hochfilzen and certainly in Le Grand-Bornand," Sjastad Christiansen (32) defended him.

Bö had revealed unusual weaknesses in the cross-country skiing in particular during the two tests. In the sprint race he was only 33rd on the last lap, in the mass start he was 26th in the first lap.

The great biathlon champion himself said afterwards that he had to "wake up". No one doubts that this will happen, not even Björndalen.

"He will be ready for Kontiolahti and then it will smell of fire in the Finnish forests," said the legend himself optimistically.