Johannes Thingnes Boe hopes another Biathlon World Cup win will keep brother Tarjei Boe from retirement - 'Cool story'

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Norwegian brothers Johannes Thingnes Boe and Tarjei Boe will compete alongside one another again - and potentially for the final season - as the 2024/25 Biathlon World Cup gets underway on November 30. Johannes, 31, is desperate to retire alongside his older brother Tarjei, 36, and hopes that securing three consecutive crystal globes can prolong Tarjei's career.

Watch highlights as Boe powers to win in men's 12.5km pursuit in Canmore

Video credit: TNT Sports

Johannes Thingnes Boe hopes he can better older brother Tarjei Boe in the 2024/25 Biathlon World Cup campaign, in order to keep the 36-year-old from retiring.

The pair famously shared the podium at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing - Johannes claiming gold while Tarjei took bronze in the biathlon 10km sprint - and they are set to lock horns for another season, one which younger Johannes fears may be his brother's last.

But he told Max that as long as he betters his older sibling in the upcoming campaign, he feels the 36-year-old would stick around.

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“We’ve always had this thing in the family that it’s the last competition that counts,” Johannes said. "So, if Tarjei beats me this year, I think he’ll retire. That’s why I hope to stay ahead of him so he sticks around for another year."

The brothers secured a dominant one-two in the 2023/24 campaign, Johannes topping the standings by nearly 200 points with Tarjei runner-up in an all-Norweigan top-five.

Three-time Olympic gold medal winner Tarjei could have brought an end to his career following the second-placed finish, but opted to keep going for another year and said it now feels "natural" competing alongside his brother after twelve years on the circuit together.

“I chose to continue for another year and am really enjoying it," Tarjei said. "But we haven’t started the new season yet... Last year was great, so I’m still riding on that wave."

He added: “It’s fantastic to be on the national team with your brother. He’s five years younger, but we’ve been on the team for twelve years now, so it feels natural. And looking at it from the outside, it’s a pretty cool story,” said the 36-year-old.

Johannes has established himself as a dominant presence in the men's biathlon scene, with his 2023/24 World Cup triumph making it back-to-back titles, while also being a five-time Olympic gold medalist.

But he has been pushed all the way by his older brother, and the 31-year-old confessed he "didn't expect" Tarjei to maintain the chase.

“No, I didn’t expect that, but he’s always been good and still is," Johannes said. "He’s a tremendously strong athlete, both physically and as a fast shooter. When his puzzle pieces fall into place, he’s tough to beat, as he showed last year.

Boe revels in 'best race so far this year' after sprint win in Canmore

Video credit: TNT Sports

“Of course, I’m happy about it [Tarjei staying for another year]. He’s an incredible relay racer. Mom always says that when we race together, it strengthens the team even more. He’s been an important part of it."

Tarjei, however, feels his days are becoming numbered, admitting "it's never been harder than it is now", with his biathlon career stretching to nearly 16 years.

“It’s the training that’s boring, so now it’s the time we start being cool," the 36-year-old said. "We’ll see how much I have left in me, but it’s never been harder than it is now."

But younger brother Johannes, who himself is contemplating hanging up the skis in the near future, is desperate to retire alongside his brother and hopes he will stick it out for another couple of years in order to achieve a heartwarming send-off.

Boe dominates for win in men's 12.5km pursuit in Canmore

Video credit: TNT Sports

“You want good duels, and those are the duels with Tarjei. That will be my strongest memory from my career – the battles with Tarjei.

"So, I’m crossing my fingers that he has one last year in him so he can stay with me until the end."

The 2024/25 Biathlon World Cup kicks off in Kontiolahti, Finland on November 30 - you can catch all the action live and on-demand via Eurosport and discovery+.

Stream the 2024-25 winter sports season on Eurosport and discovery+.

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