The World Biathlon Federation IBU made waves with a little April Fool’s joke. The suggestion, which was not really meant seriously, was well received by the ski hunters.
Biathlon in sand instead of snow? Why not! At least that’s what the biathlon world association IBU thought, writing on Instagram on Wednesday: “Beach biathlon, here we come!”
The post read: “Next spring, athletes will compete in a brand new event when the biathlon family descends on Cancun, Mexico for the first-ever beach biathlon.” The aim is to increase “the reach of the sport in new areas”.
One person in particular was extremely pleased with the (supposed) plans: the Mexican Raúl Antonio Figueroa, who is competing in the second-tier IBU Cup. “I’m so happy to welcome the biathlon family to the first ever beach event in Mexico,” he is quoted as saying in the Instagram post.
However: The idea is not really meant seriously, the IBU was just playing a little April Fool’s joke.
“Now for the first time I regret my resignation”
Nevertheless, the Instagram post made waves in the biathlon family. The Slovakian Paulína Bátovská Fialková, who had just retired from active sports, jokingly commented: “Now I regret my retirement for the first time.”
The French-British biathlete Jacques Jefferies wrote: “I would probably actually come.” Numerous fans were also enthusiastic about the idea.
The world association has shown itself to be open to new approaches in recent years. At the start of the past season, the “Loop One” festival was held in Munich for the first time. On two October days in the Olympic Park, the biathlon stars came together and competed against each other on roller skis in a super sprint format. Numerous participation offers were organized for fans.
The IBU also invites you to the Olympic Park at the start of the 2026/27 season (October 17th and 18th).
