The Women's Biathlon Relay at the 2026 Olympic Games
The women's 4x6km biathlon relay is scheduled for February 18, 2026, at the Winter Olympics, with a start time of 15:30 Kyiv time. This event is a major highlight of the biathlon program, testing both speed on skis and precision under pressure on the shooting range. This preview covers the projected team lineups, the latest betting odds, results from recent World Cup relays this season, and broadcast details.
France is the clear favorite for the gold medal, with odds of 1.6 as of 10:30 on February 18, 2026. Sweden follows with odds of 2.5, while Norway is at 7. Italy's odds for victory are 8, and Ukraine's are a distant 300. In a direct matchup, bookmakers slightly favor Slovenia over Ukraine, with odds of 1.8 for a Slovenian win compared to 1.89 for a Ukrainian victory.
Projected Team Rosters and Season Form
The French team is expected to field a powerhouse lineup:
- Camille Bene (Leg 1)
- Lou Jeanmonnot (Leg 2)
- Oceane Michelon (Leg 3)
- Julia Simon (Leg 4)
Jeanmonnot has already won gold, silver, and bronze at these Games, Michelon is a silver medalist, and Simon is a two-time Olympic champion. The Swedish team is projected to be:
- Linn Gestblom
- Anna Magnusson
- Elvira Oeberg
- Hanna Oeberg
Italy's likely team composition includes:
- Lisa Vittozzi
- Dorothea Wierer
- Hanna Auchentaller
- Michela Carrara
Both Vittozzi and Wierer have won medals in the mixed relay. The Ukrainian team is set to consist of:
- Oleksandra Merkushyna (Leg 1)
- Yuliia Dzhima (Leg 2)
- Khrystyna Dmytrenko (Leg 3)
- Daryna Chalyk (Leg 4)
During the 2025/2026 World Cup season, the Ukrainian women's relay team finished 15th, 10th, and twice in 14th place. The season's previous women's relay events yielded these podium results:
- In Ostersund, France won gold, followed by Italy and the Czech Republic.
- In Hochfilzen, Sweden took first, with Norway second and Germany third.
- In Oberhof, France again stood atop the podium, Norway was second, and Germany third.
- At the Nove Mesto stage, Norway won, Italy placed second, and Sweden finished third.
The relay will be broadcast on the Suspilne Sport TV channel and website, as well as on regional Suspilne channels. The full biathlon schedule for the 2026 Olympics features the women's relay on Wednesday, February 18 at 15:45, the men's mass start on Friday, February 20 at 15:15, and the women's mass start on Saturday, February 21 at 15:15.
"The women's biathlon relay at the Olympic Games is a significant event for all participants, as it showcases not only the individual abilities of the biathletes but also their teamwork." - Source unknown
The teams, featuring many of the sport's top athletes, have a strong chance of success, as reflected in the bookmakers' forecasts. While facing long odds, the Ukrainian team aims to improve upon its recent performances, which could mark an important step in its development. Live coverage on Suspilne's platforms will allow a wide audience to follow these thrilling competitions.