New Biathlon Gun Strap Rules
Biathletes must keep both arms fully threaded through rifle carrying straps until reaching the shooting mat under International Biathlon Union regulations that take effect on November 27 in Kontiolahti.
The International Biathlon Union tightened weapon handling protocols to prevent rifles from slipping out of control on the range. Athletes can no longer loosen one arm from the strap before reaching the mat or while leaving it.
Competitors breaking the regulation must stop immediately to fix the position without obstructing others. The governing body warns that violations carry a risk of disqualification.
Sports director Daniel Böhm explained to Pravda that the previous practice created a risk of the strap sliding off the shoulder. He said that the rule must be clear and easily monitored by officials.
Athletes Voice Sharp Criticism
Several top biathletes criticized the change as unnecessary and complicated. Swedish team member Sebastian Samuelsson questioned the necessity of the adjustment.
“On the contrary, it threatens to create new ones,” Samuelsson told ProXCskiing.
His teammate Jesper Nelin dismissed the new rule as a bit ridiculous in an interview with Aftonbladet. Nelin noted the difficulty of breaking habits formed through thousands of repetitions.
It’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks, Nelin noted.
Teams received notice before early disqualifications occurred
The International Biathlon Union said that national teams received notice of the update in the spring to practice the new movements. Test events already exposed vulnerabilities among competitors.
Roller ski races held in Munich in October resulted in several disqualifications. Danish competitor Leonora Rønhede acknowledged that she forgot the regulation during a decisive moment.
Some athletes adapted to the mandate ahead of the opening World Cup fixtures. Norwegian competitor Isak Frey said that he adjusted to the new weapon handling routine after initial skepticism.
Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold developed a physical adjustment to prevent old habits. She holds her cross-country poles in the hand she previously slipped under the rifle strap.
Questions about new biathlon shooting range rules
What specific movement is now prohibited on the shooting range?
Biathletes can no longer loosen one arm from the rifle strap several meters before reaching the shooting mat or immediately after finishing their last shot.
When does the updated International Biathlon Union regulation take effect for the World Cup?
The rules apply fully when the World Cup season opens on November 27 in Kontiolahti, Finland.
Which competitors received penalties during testing events?
Danish competitor Leonora Rønhede was among the athletes disqualified during October roller ski races in Munich after forgetting the updated protocol.