The Norwegian biathlon giant Johannes Thingnes Bø had four compatriots directly behind him in the total World Cup last winter, and another Norwegian was seventh.
So dominant does not think Bø they will be this winter.
I think there are very many who want to win and be on the podium and fight for the overall World Cup. I think the Norwegians will always be good, but we'll probably get a bit of competition from France, they look strong. So it will probably often be Norway and France, and then Ponsiluoma and Samuelsson, he says.
There are eight to twelve who are extremely strong.
The relay a receipt?
Bø skipped Saturday's first World Cup race, the single mixed relay and mixed relay, to focus on Sunday's men's relay in Kontiolahti. He then saw the French men dominate and win by almost a minute ahead of Norway, which in turn was a minute ahead of Sweden.
So if the relay gave a receipt on how the season will look, Johannes Thingnes Bø is right about which nations will dominate.
Sebastian Samuelsson said before the season that he hopes to have a chance to challenge for the World Cup title this winter. He thinks the Norwegians will of course also be strong.
I think there are six-seven guys who will be very skilled, but I hope that we others have stepped up a bit and can challenge them more than last year, I think that would be good, said Samuelsson.
"They must be on their toes"
Ponsiluoma is not quite as sure:
The Norwegians are probably not weaker than before. They have an incredibly strong team with many who come from below. They must be on their toes all the time if they want to stay in the World Cup team, that's their strength. They push so much that they must constantly develop, said Ponsiluoma before the season start.
They will be hard to beat, but we'll do what we can.
A first individual attempt will be Tuesday's race over 15 kilometers.
After the weekend's relays, the World Cup premiere in Kontiolahti continues like this:
Tuesday: Men, short distance, 15 kilometers (at 16.20).
Wednesday: Women, short distance, 12.5 km (16.20).
Friday: Men, sprint, 10 km (16.20).
Saturday: Women, sprint, 7.5 km (17.10).
Sunday: Mass start, men, 15 km (14.30), women, 12.5 km (17.10).
All races are broadcast on SVT.
