Changes in the Biathlon World Cup

Changes in the Biathlon World Cup

The rising temperatures combined with rain in Slovenia are disrupting the schedule of the Biathlon World Cup on the Pokljuka plateau.

The elite of Biathlon is facing special challenges at the upcoming World Cup: For Franziska Preuß, the exciting battle for the yellow jersey may also become a fight against the weather.

Due to poor conditions at the Pokljuka plateau in Slovenia, with heavy rain and warm temperatures, the International Biathlon Union (IBU) has adjusted the competition schedule for the World Cup from Thursday to Sunday.

Both individual events will be held on Thursday as shortened races. The women will start at 11:30 am (ZDF and Eurosport) over 12.5 km instead of 15 km. The men's individual event over 15 km has also been moved forward to Thursday at 3:15 pm.

Moreover, the two mass starts originally planned for Sunday will be held on Saturday (1:35 pm and 3:45 pm). The single-mixed and mixed relays (noon and 2:50 pm) are now set for Sunday. Friday will serve as a reserve day according to the IBU.

Biathlon: Preuß fights for overall victory

"Heavy rain and warm winds have caused severe damage to the course. The weather forecast for this week is also not very good, with more rain and warm temperatures," said IBU Race Director Borut Nunar. It will be "a challenging week, and we must approach it day by day."

Preuß goes into the World Cup overall standings with a 36-point lead over France's Lou Jeanmonnot as the season concludes. After Pokljuka, there will still be a World Cup at Holmenkollen in Oslo (March 21-23). In total, five of the 21 individual decisions are still pending.

With contributions from Sports Information Service (SID)