The Latvian biathletes are currently participating in an Individual Distance event at the World Cup, with Birkentāls starting with bib number 14 and demonstrating precision in his shooting, successfully hitting all five targets at the first shooting range. His teammates Rastorgujevs and Misem will follow, starting at positions 67 and 75 respectively, against a competitive field of 98 participants.

As the World Cup season progresses, the women's event will feature a 12.5-kilometer race with a mass start scheduled for Saturday, while the men's team will compete in a classic relay. The competition will culminate on Sunday, with men also racing 15 kilometers in a mass start format. These races form part of the seventh round of the season and present opportunities for athletes to gain valuable points.

Following this event in Kontiolahti, there will be two more World Cup stages before the season concludes in March, taking place in Otepē, Estonia, and Holmenkollen, Norway. This series of competitions is essential for the athletes as they prepare for higher-level events and aim for success on the world stage.