Everything you need to know about changes to the biathlon rules for the 2023/2024 season

Last winter, a new points system was introduced for the three main series: the winner now receives 90 points instead of 60, and each World Cup competition contributes to the overall standings. Meanwhile, the BMW IBU World Championships races no longer count towards the overall standings.

• Read also: Biathlon World Cup 2023/2024: schedule and results

This winter, three important rule changes need to be considered before the start of the World Cup competitions:

1. Complete Ban on Fluorine

Starting this winter, the use of fluorine-containing products is no longer permitted in ski preparation. It's considered one of the most significant changes in biathlon in years. The issue of banning fluorine emerged several years ago, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered equipment testing, this topic was postponed. The system has been trialed and tested in collaboration with national federations and their technical experts and has been implemented in the current season.

2. Standardized Mixed Relay 4x6 km

Starting this season, in all mixed relays, each participant, regardless of gender, will ski three laps on a two-kilometer track. Athletes will make two stops at shooting ranges, firing both in the prone and standing positions. This change aims to streamline track preparation and competition execution. The first relay under the new rules in the BMW IBU World Cup will take place today, on November 25.

3. Additional Quota for IBU Cup Winners

In this season, winners of the previous IBU Cup season will have the right to start in both the first and second stages of the BMW IBU World Cup, rather than just the first stage.

Last winter, Tilda Johansson (Sweden) and Endre Strømsheim (Norway) claimed the overall IBU Cup trophies. In the 2023/2024 season, the right to start will be transformed into an additional quota for the national federation of the IBU Cup winner, still applicable to the first two stages of the World Cup.

Furthermore, stricter rules regarding rifle handling at the shooting range have been implemented to enhance the safety of athletes and participants. Biathletes are prohibited from pointing their rifle barrels at themselves or other participants. This precautionary measure was strengthened after an incident involving Thierry Langer from Belgium, who recklessly handled his rifle in the previous season, attempting to clear it after it fell in the snow.