Overview
- The International Biathlon Union now requires athletes to remove their rifle and open the bolt only when standing on the shooting mat and to re-seat the sling on both shoulders before leaving the range.
- Race officials have enforced the rule at summer events, with several disqualifications at the Loop One Festival in Munich showing that judges will apply the change strictly.
- Top Norwegian competitors have publicly criticised the timing and practical effect of the rule, saying it disrupts long-trained automatic motions and risks costly mistakes under race stress.
- Some athletes are adapting: Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold says she has practised the new motion for months and uses a deliberate routine such as holding her poles to avoid reverting to old habits.
- Norway’s staff say they were informed early through an IBU technical-committee contact, but teams and fans will be watching the World Cup opener in Kontiolahti to see how the rule affects shoot times, penalties and race outcomes.