Östersund World Cup to Kick Off Season with Sustainability Commitments
The upcoming IBU season promises to be a groundbreaking one, with the of new rules and a heightened focus on sustainability. The BMW IBU World Cup in Östersund, Sweden, scheduled for November 25, 2023, will serve as the opening event, where the new regulations and sustainability commitments will be showcased for the first time. This season, nine World Cup Organising Committees, including Nove Mesto na Morave, the host of the World Championships, have voluntarily signed the IBU’s new Sustainability Charter, demonstrating their dedication to reducing environmental impact and leaving a positive social legacy.
Sustainability Commitments:
By signing the IBU’s Sustainability Charter, the Organising Committees have committed to six specific actions aimed at minimizing their events’ environmental footprint and enhancing social legacies. These commitments align with the IBU’s Sustainability Strategy 2020-2030 and represent a significant step towards integrating sustainability into the event bidding and management process. Starting from the 2026-2030 event cycle, sustainability obligations will become a key criterion for all Organising Committees.
Fluor Ban:
In line with its commitment to environmental stewardship, the IBU will implement a complete fluor ban this season, addressing environmental and health concerns. The decision to ban fluor was announced in March 2022, and since then, the IBU has been actively engaging with National Federations (NFs), teams, and technicians through regular dialogue and education seminars. In September 2023, a seminar was held with technicians from approximately 30 nations to familiarize them with the fluoro detection device, explore alternative products and application methods, and optimize cleaning techniques.
Fluoro Test Protocol:
To enforce the fluoro ban, a comprehensive test protocol will be implemented. Skis will be tested before and after competition, and a measuring procedure against pre-determined threshold zones will be enforced. If an athlete’s skis fall within the red threshold before a competition, they will undergo a second test. Failing the test again will result in a red card and disqualification from the competition. Athletes will be allowed to change their skis once during the season, but a second red card will lead to a prohibition to start. Skis that exceed the post-competition threshold will result in disqualification.
Other Rule Changes:
Alongside the fluoro ban, the IBU Technical Committee has introduced several rule changes for the 2023/2024 season. In the Mixed Relays, each leg and gender will ski a 6km (3x2km) loop to facilitate course preparation and streamline the competition. The rifle handle regulations at the shooting range have also been tightened to prioritize athlete and participant safety. Additionally, the personal start right for the IBU Cup winners of the previous seasons will be extended to the first two World Cup stages, providing them with an opportunity to compete on the highest level.
Conclusion:
As the IBU season 2023/2024 approaches, the focus on sustainability and the implementation of new rules will undoubtedly shape the competitions and the sport of biathlon. With the signing of the Sustainability Charter by the Organising Committees and the complete fluor ban, the IBU is taking significant steps towards reducing its environmental impact and promoting a healthier future for the sport. These changes, coupled with the rule adjustments, promise an exciting and transformative season, setting the stage for the future of biathlon.
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