2026 Olympic Biathlon Mixed Relay 4 x 6km Prediction & Preview
Updated July 9, 2026
The mixed relay biathlon event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina features teams of two women and two men from nations across the globe competing in a 4x6km relay. This race will test skiing speed, shooting precision, and team depth for the countries involved. As the first biathlon event of the Games, the mixed relay sets the stage for what could be a dramatic fortnight of competition. Here, I break down this competition and you will find my Olympic biathlon mixed relay prediction below.
Here are the odds to win this relay event at the time of this writing from online sportsbooks in the US:
The favorite to win this event in the 2026 Winter Olympics is the French squad. France not only tops the betting boards but also secured a World Cup mixed relay win in Östersund late last year. In that race, a quartet consisting of seasoned stars dominated the field, demonstrating both shooting accuracy and strong skiing legs. This season’s relay performances have often seen France near the front, and they carry momentum into the Olympics in peak condition.
Italy is competing on home snow and has also shown form that justifies its place near the top of the odds. In a recent mixed relay at Nove Mesto na Morave, Italy produced a commanding performance to take victory, closing out strong on the final leg to hold off France. That success not only builds their confidence but suggests the Italians’ relay depth is ready for Olympic-level intensity.
Sweden remains in the conversation with a strong roster headlined by the celebrated Öberg sisters. The Swedish team has been consistently competitive in recent seasons, and their sister act brings experience and composure to Italy, which is invaluable in relay formats. Meanwhile, Norway, a nation synonymous with biathlon success, enters the event without some past marquee names but still has depth and a tradition of excellence that cannot be ignored.
Off-course events have also influenced the dynamics of this race. Italy suffered a setback when one of its athletes was excluded shortly before the Games due to a doping issue, forcing a late adjustment to its roster. Such developments can impact team rhythm and morale, but the Italian squad has reportedly rallied well despite the challenge.
France: The French squad is arguably the most complete team in the field. They have elite shooters and powerful skiers at every leg. Their World Cup success suggests they are capable of handling pressure and adapting to the tricky conditions often faced in relay competition.
Italy: Riding the wave of a major recent win, Italy could leverage home-snow advantage and crowd support to deliver a standout performance. They need to overcome their roster issues, but have shown they are capable of doing just that at times.
Sweden: The Swedish team’s mix of youth and experience makes them a strong podium threat. The Öberg sisters provide them with leadership and speed, and Sweden’s solid results in recent mixed relays make them a serious challenger.
Norway: Even in a transitional period without some past icons, Norway has the depth to remain competitive. They may not be favored as heavily as in past cycles, but their racing culture and history in this sport make them a threat.
Germany: With longer odds, Germany may not be the first choice for many, but a clean, fast race could see them in the mix if others falter. Betting markets have them priced accordingly, making them a potential value pick for adventurous investors.
Pick: Italy to win ATS PRO
Confidence: 3 out of 5
In relay biathlon, consistency across all legs and the ability to manage the shooting range effectively are critical. France’s recent mixed relay results underline their ability to combine these elements against top competition. Italy and Sweden both present compelling cases as well. I'm going to take the Italians to win this event on home soil, as they should do a great job of keeping their composure at the range in front of a supportive crowd.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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