The Biathlon World Cup is a headache

The Biathlon World Championships start next week in Nove Mesto. However, the organizers are already worried in advance.

01. February 2024

From: dpa

Weather that is too mild is likely to pose major challenges for athletes and organizers at the upcoming Biathlon World Championships in Nove Mesto, Czech Republic. “The weather is not favorable at the moment, that's a fact. But we believe we are ready,” said competition director Vlastimil Jakes.

There are currently significantly plus temperatures, from Saturday there should be no more frost at night, and rain is also forecast for Monday. “We are constantly monitoring the weather forecast and hope for an improvement in the second week of the World Cup,” said Jakes.

Way too warm and no plan B

The World Biathlon Association is also relying on slightly colder temperatures in the second half of the World Cup. “We're not worried. The snow depots are well filled. There is no Plan B and it would no longer be feasible,” said IBU Communications Director Christian Winkler. There is one meter of artificial snow on the routes around the Vysocina Arena. For protection and with a view to the start of the World Cup next Wednesday with the mixed relay (17.20 p.m.), all routes and the entire stadium area are covered.

“We still have 50 cubic meters of snow in the depot. We're not worried about a lack of snow, but during inclement weather like temperatures above zero and rain, the quality of the snow won't be as good as when it's below zero,” Jakes said. The bad weather will of course also have an impact on the visual aspect of the World Cup. There is no snow in Nove Mesto, only the prepared routes indicate the upcoming highlight of the season for ski hunters. The World Cup ends on February 000th.

It was also too warm at the World Cup races in Oberhof at the beginning of January. The organizers were only able to carry out the competitions with a show of strength.

Schlagwörter: Winter sports Biathlon IBU WM Nine Mesto