Rain in front of the Olympics
Biathlon stars are happy about new prize money
Updated on September 24, 2025 – 12:22 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
More money for the biathlon stars: The IBU will significantly take up the prize money in the World Cup in the coming season. The reason is the 2026 Olympic Games.
It starts in a good two months. The Biathlon World Cup starts in the Swedish Östersund at the end of November. For Franziska Preuß, the title defense begins in Sweden, after all, the German won the overall World Cup last season.
And the financial incentive in biathlon grows. Because the prize money is raised. The reason for this is the Olympic winter: Because no world championships take place in 2026, the premiums planned for this flow completely into the World Cup. According to the IBU World Association, the distribution in the World Cup increases by almost 1.6 million euros – to a total of 9.3 million euros. This is the same amount as in the previous year, but with a changed distribution in favor of the World Cup races.
In the future, individual wins will be rewarded with 20,000 euros – that is 5,000 euros more than before. Second place is also better paid: 16,000 euros instead of 12,000. There will be 13,000 euros for third place in the future, before 10,000.
In addition, the prize money for the overall World Cup was also adjusted. Anyone who wins the large crystal ball at the end of the season will now receive 45,000 euros – 5,000 euros more than in the previous year. The premiums for the discipline ratings are also increasing. Last winter, Franziska Preuss secured the overall victory just before the French Lou JeanMonnot. Sturla Holm Lægreid triumphed for men.