Sports · Other Sports · 22 hrs ago
New biathlon rifle rule draws criticism from Norwegian athletes
The International Biathlon Union has tightened rifle rules ahead of the new World Cup season.
Under the change, athletes must keep their rifles strapped across both shoulders until they reach the shooting mat, and put the straps back on before leaving.
The rule is intended to reduce risks at the shooting range, where athletes handle rifles during races.
A mistake under pressure could be costly: taking a rifle off too early can lead to disqualification, while leaving without securing it means returning to the mat.
Norwegian athletes Martin Uldal and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold worry that years of familiar habits could lead to errors in competition.
Tandrevold has practised the new routine for six months, while teammate Isak Frey says it has become part of his routine.
The rule has already led to a disqualification at a preparation event in Munich, and athletes will need to follow it during the coming season.
The International Biathlon Union has tightened rules on handling rifles at the shooting range, citing safety.
Athletes must keep the rifle strapped over both shoulders until they reach the shooting mat and put it back on before leaving.
Norwegian athletes have criticized the change, saying it could be difficult to remember under pressure and was introduced suddenly.
A violation can lead to disqualification or require an athlete to return to the mat.
Norwegian biathlete Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold has trained for six months to adjust, while teammate Isak Frey says the rule has become part of his routine.
A Danish athlete was disqualified for a violation at the Loop One Festival in Munich in October.
- Who
- The International Biathlon Union introduced the rule. Norwegian biathletes, including Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold and Martin Uldal, have discussed it.
- What
- The rule requires athletes to keep their rifles strapped over both shoulders until they reach the shooting mat and before they leave it.
- When
- The IBU announced the change in late September 2026; it applies from the coming season.
- Where
- At biathlon shooting ranges. A violation was enforced at the Loop One Festival in Munich.
- Why
- The IBU says the change is a safety measure intended to reduce the risk of accidents at the shooting range.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The IBU announced new rules for handling rifles at the shooting range.
Danish biathlete Leonora Rønhede was disqualified for a rule violation at the Loop One Festival in Munich.
The new rifle-handling rule is due to apply to biathletes.
- Rule
- Rifle must stay strapped over both shoulders until athletes reach the shooting mat and before they leave it
- Penalty
- A violation can lead to disqualification; athletes who leave without the rifle properly strapped must return to the mat
- Safety aim
- Reduce the risk of accidents at the shooting range
- Training
- Tandrevold said she had trained for the change for six months
- Festival
- Loop One Festival, Munich, October 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Das kam schon ziemlich plötzlich
Ich habe die Sorge, dass jemand mit etwas Adrenalin in diesem Winter zurück in alte Gewohnheiten verfällt, es vergessen könnte und etwas Dummes macht. Das macht schon ein bisschen Angst
Wenn man etwas zehn Jahre lang trainiert hat, ist es schwierig, das in einer stressigen Situation einfach umzustellen.
Am Anfang war ich etwas skeptisch, aber es hat überraschend gut funktioniert