The Competition Jury for the Men Sprint has decided to use the alternative Start Group system that the IBU Rules offer with high temperatures and challenging track conditions expected. As a result, the Top 15 of the World Cup Total Score will be among the first 30 starters.

The IBU had included an alternative start group setup into its rules for such a scenario after changing the start group rules for the Sprint and Individual competitions ahead of the 2024-2025 season.

As a result, the Top 15 athletes of the World Cup Total Score will be wearing bibs 1, 3, 5, 7, ... 29 today - alternating with non-designated starters. The athletes ranked 16 - 30 in the World Cup Total Score will be wearing bibs 31, 33, 35 and so on, also alternating with non-designated athletes. The new start list for the Men Sprint can be seen here with Individual World Champion Eric Perrot being the first athlete out of the gates today.