The IBU Executive Board met in Antholz – biathlon’s home for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 – on 7-8 September to receive updates and discuss key projects that will continue to drive biathlon forward.

IBU President Olle Dahlin, EB Members and IBU Secretary General Max Cobb delivered reports with the President and Secretary General reflecting on their recent trip to Ukraine where they reinforced the IBU’s support for the biathlon community in the country.

A report was provided on the strategic process which is underway to transition IBU’s strategic plan Target 26 into Target 2030. Since the IBU Congress in September 2022, the IBU has held seven regional workshops to gather feedback from all National Federations (NFs) and better understand their challenges and aspirations. Building on the outcomes of these meetings, due diligence and further analysis is being conducted to develop an elaborated Target 2030, building on Target 26 with achievable 2030 objectives. IBU stakeholders will be involved over the next year with the final plan presented for approval by the IBU Congress 2024.

The EB granted an additional Fluor-Free Transition Support that will be provided for NFs and Organising Committees with the full fluor ban coming into effect this upcoming season. Additional costs and logistical plans will be required to ensure skis can be tested on-site.

The EB also confirmed that the IBU Junior Cup 3 will be relocated from Notschrei (GER) to Jakuszyce (POL).

Development provided an update on the Biathlon for All campaign, which under Target 2030 has been designed to increase participation in biathlon, contributing to the overall 2030 objectives. The project will aim to inspire and encourage young people to practice biathlon by providing them with sustainable and safe equipment and a toolkit of socially positive activities. National Federations which applied will receive laser and optical rifle equipment from the IBU in order to deliver their approved action plans for kids’ and youths’ recruitment and training. The EB approved the grants to fund the project for 2023/2024.

The EB also visited the Antholz Biathlon stadium and received an update on the re-construction that recently got underway at the Olympic biathlon venue for the 2026 Games to modernise the facilities, enhance the courses to ensure the best possible stage for the Olympic competitions.

Photos: NordicFocus, IBU