Biathlon World Cup 2026: Full Programme for the Kontiolahti Stage
KONTIOLAHTI, 07 March 2026 – Following the conclusion of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the international biathlon circuit has resumed with the seventh stage of the BMW IBU World Cup in Kontiolahti, Finland. Running from 5 March to 8 March 2026, the event marks a critical return to the World Cup standings as athletes transition from Olympic glory back to the pursuit of the Crystal Globe.
The Kontiolahti Schedule (5–8 March 2026)
The North Karelian venue is hosting a dense programme of individual and sprint events. After the Men’s 20km Individual and 15km Mass Start 60 races concluded on Friday, 6 March, the focus shifts to the sprint and pursuit disciplines over the weekend. French fans are keeping a close eye on the national selection, which includes Olympic standouts such as Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Emilien Jacquelin.
Key Competition Details
| Race Type | Distance & Format |
|---|---|
| Men’s Individual | 20km (4 shooting stages, 1-minute penalty per miss) |
| Women’s Individual | 15km (4 shooting stages, 1-minute penalty per miss) |
| Sprint (Men/Women) | 10km / 7.5km (2 shooting stages, 150m penalty loop) |
| Mass Start 60 | New IBU format featuring 60 competitors |
French Success and IBU Cup Updates
The French contingent continues to show strength in the post-Olympic period. Amandine Mengin has recently secured the Mass Start Score title in the IBU Cup, while Gaetan Paturel claimed the Men’s IBU Cup Total Score title. Meanwhile, in the Youth and Junior World Championships held in Arber, Germany, French prospects like Hannes Lipfert have been narrowly missing out on podiums by fractions of a second, highlighting the depth of the French development programme.
In the United States, the final leg of the IBU Cup (Circuit B) is taking place in Lake Placid, running concurrently with the Kontiolahti events. This marks the ninth and final stage of the 2025/2026 season for the secondary circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the Biathlon World Cup in English?
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) provides free live streaming of all World Cup events through its official digital platforms. In France, the events are typically broadcast on L’Équipe, while Eurosport provides coverage across Europe in multiple languages, including English.
What are the qualification rules for the World Cup?
According to the November 2025 IBU Event and Competition Rules, a competitor must have 150 IBU qualifying points or less at the end of the last trimester to compete in World Cup events. National federations with athletes in the top 10 of the IBU Cup Total Score can earn up to two additional quotas for specific events.
How does the Mass Start 60 format work?
The Mass Start 60 is an expanded version of the traditional 30-athlete mass start. It involves 60 competitors and uses a specific shooting range protocol to manage the larger field, often used in IBU Cup and Junior World Championship levels to provide high-stakes racing experience to a broader range of athletes.
When do the 2026 Winter Paralympics begin?
The 2026 Winter Paralympics officially opened on 6 March 2026. The Para biathlon programme is one of the most anticipated segments, featuring athletes like Oksana Masters and Aaron Pike. The Para biathlon events include distances such as the 12.5km for men.