Just in time for the start of the coming biathlon season, a new rule from the IBU World Association comes into effect, which is particularly suitable for athletes from the second row.
When it comes to the number of starters allowed per race, the rules of the World Biathlon Federation IBU are strict. Each nation is allowed to send a maximum of six biathletes to the start line in each World Cup race. The only exception: the first World Cup weekend, on which the winner of the previous IBU Cup classification can also be nominated. This very rule has now been changed.
As Christophe Vassallo, member of the IBU Technical Committee, described to “Nordic Magazine”, the right to start for the IBU Cup winners was extended to the first two World Cup weekends. Specifically, this means for the 2023/24 season: The Swede Tilda Johansson and the Norwegian Endre Strømsheim are not only allowed to compete in Östersund, but also a week later in Hochfilzen.
That’s why the biathlon association has changed the rules
Vassallo justified the IBU decision by saying that one race weekend was a little too short for the trainers to make decisions for future races. The change was implemented “to simplify things. Especially because it affects athletes who have earned it,” said the official.
The IBU Cup is the foundation of the World Cup and the stage for biathletes who want to apply for a place in the national A squad. Not only young up-and-coming talent are used there, but also experienced World Cup participants who have lost their place in the World Cup squad. At the top, the level is correspondingly high.
The new World Cup season begins at the end of November in Östersund, Sweden. The highlight of the 2023/24 biathlon winter is the World Championships in Nove Mesto at the beginning of February.