Overview

• The International Biathlon Union’s new rule became official after its June Executive Board meeting in Salzburg.
• Defending World Cup champions will receive an additional personal start right for the first two events of the 2025–26 season.
• Franziska Preuß’s overall title from last winter entitles Germany’s women’s team to enter seven athletes instead of the usual six in Östersund and Hochfilzen.
• The seven-athlete entry limit remains unchanged and the extra slot is allocated specifically to the champion’s team without altering overall field sizes.
• Norway’s women’s team gains no added benefit because it already secured an extra start through its IBU Cup champion.