The biathlon women’s 10km pursuit event at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano‐Cortina is set to be another battle between France and Norway. Those two countries have been the best biathlon nations at these Winter Games and they have three of the four favorites for this event as well. Before the action begins on Sunday, you will find my prediction for this event right here.
Olympic Women’s 10km Pursuit Betting Odds
- Lou Jeanmonnot (France): +125
- Maren Kirkeeide (Norway): +200
- Oceane Michelon (France): +300
- Lisa Vittozzi (Italy): +900
- Franziska Preuss (Germany): +2000
- Suvi Minkkinen (Finland): +2000
- Hanna Öberg (Sweden): +4000
- Elvira Öberg (Sweden): +5000
- All Others: +15000 or more
Olympic Biathlon Women’s 10km Pursuit Major Storylines
The buildup to the Olympic women’s pursuit has been shaped by a series of intriguing results across the 2025-26 World Cup season, giving bettors plenty of data to consider. French star Lou Jeanmonnot has been one of the most consistent performers, leading in the World Cup standings and capturing a victory in the women’s pursuit at Ruhpolding, where she crossed the line first and led a high-quality field by over 10 seconds. That display reinforced her status as a top favorite heading into the Games. Her strong ski speed and confidence after podium finishes across formats this season make her the favorite in any medal discussion.
Sweden’s Elvira Öberg and her sister Hanna Öberg have also been formidable on the circuit. Elvira’s sprint performances this season, including a World Cup victory and multiple top finishes, underline her threat in any race that rewards fast skiing paired with clean shooting. Hanna has great tactical strength with consistent range work and the ability to maintain pace under pressure, making the Swedish pair a dual threat for podium positions.
Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Maren Kirkeeide are two athletes whose form adds intrigue for bettors. Braisaz-Bouchet has shown glimpses of brilliance and podium speed, while Kirkeeide’s Olympic sprint win earlier in these Games demonstrated her potential to peak when it matters most. The psychologically demanding nature of a pursuit race, with staggered start positions based on sprint results, offers these athletes a tactical avenue to overcome slightly longer odds.
Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi, a home favorite, carries the hopes of the host nation. Although her odds are longer, the familiarity with the terrain and a supportive crowd environment could elevate her performance. Similarly, German veteran Franziska Preuss, a former world champion in the pursuit discipline, remains a solid bet at more generous prices due to her proven range skills and ability to perform under pressure.
Olympic Women’s 10km Pursuit Prediction
Pick:
Confidence: 4/5
