Bookmakers' Favorites for the Olympic Biathlon Mass Start
The men's biathlon mass start at the Winter Olympics is scheduled for 15:15 Kyiv time on February 20, 2026. Bookmakers have already released their odds for the event, assessing the contenders' chances. As of 9:25 on February 20, 2026, GGBET lists the following odds for victory:
- Eric Perrot - 4.5
- Sturla Holm Lægreid - 6
- Johannes Thingnes Bø - 7
- Emilien Jacquelin - 7
For Ukrainian athletes, the odds for a win by Dmytro Pidruchnyi or Vitalii Mandzyn are set at 200. The mass start is a thrilling event where the top 30 athletes from the World Cup standings all begin together, making it unpredictable and highly competitive.
Competition Outlook
The 2026 Olympic biathlon program features 11 events, with the mass start being one of the most anticipated races. In the 2025/2026 season, Eric Perrot has twice reached the podium in mass start races, highlighting his strong current form. Other notable contenders include Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen, who won a silver medal in the sprint at these Games, and Quentin Fillon Maillet, the Olympic sprint and two-time relay champion. Martin Ponsiluoma won the pursuit race, and Campbell Wright secured a silver in the mass start at the final World Cup event before the Olympics.
The origins of the race participants are also noteworthy. At the competition in Annecy, the top three finishers were:
- Tommaso Giacomel
- Eric Perrot
- Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen
At the Nové Město stage, Eric Perrot took the win, followed by Campbell Wright in second, and Sverre Dahlen Aspenes in third. These results underscore the intense level of competition among the athletes.
The men's mass start will be broadcast on the Suspilne Sport TV channel and website, as well as on regional Suspilne broadcasting channels. The 2026 Olympic biathlon schedule also includes the women's mass start, which will take place the following day, February 21, at 15:15. All these factors set the stage for an exciting race and a high-level battle for medals.
As a key discipline of the Winter Games, the mass start attracts attention from not only biathlon fans but also a broad sports audience. The bookmakers' odds reflect a highly competitive field, which promises a captivating event. Previous competition results may significantly influence the race outcome, including the chances of Ukrainian athletes, who face much longer odds for victory. These elements highlight the importance of this competition within the context of the 2026 Olympics and the wider landscape of winter sports.