How does biathlon work?
B · Beginner · The competitions · 1 of 6Biathletes ski a course carrying a small-bore rifle and stop at a range to shoot five targets 50 metres away, lying down or standing. Every target missed costs time: a 150-metre penalty loop in most races, or a minute added in the individual. Any skiing technique is allowed. The fastest time, or the first across the line in head-to-head races, wins.
How it works
- Skiing: any technique, on loops of set length between shooting bouts.
- Shooting: five shots at five targets per bout, prone or standing.
- Distance: 50 m from the firing line to the targets.
- Targets: 45 mm to hit prone, 115 mm standing.
- Penalties: a 150 m penalty loop per miss, or 1 minute in the individual.
- Rifle: a .22 calibre rifle of at least 3.5 kg, carried on the back.
- Formats: individual, sprint, pursuit, mass start and relays.
- Rule book: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, used at the Olympics too.
The glossary has the biathlon, the shooting range, the prone position, the standing position, the penalty loop and the rifle.
Tricky cases
Must biathletes skate-ski?
No. All techniques are allowed; most skate because it is fastest.
Why is the prone target smaller?
Lying down is steadier, so the scoring circle is 45 mm against 115 mm standing.
Can a biathlete leave the rifle at the range?
No. It must be carried on the back throughout.
Who sets the rules for Olympic biathlon?
The International Biathlon Union, unless the IOC says otherwise.
Why the rule exists
Biathlon joins two opposite skills: hard skiing and calm shooting with a racing heart. The penalty for each miss makes accuracy as important as speed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Most formats | 150 m penalty loop | IBU Table 1 |
| Individual | 1-minute penalty | IBU Table 1 |
| Super sprint, single mixed relay | 75 m penalty loop | IBU 1.4.11 |
From the rule book
International Biathlon Union, Event and Competition Rules (version 2026), Articles 1.1, 1.4, 3.4.2.1, 7.1.1 and Table 1; Annex A 3.1 and 3.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, amended by the IBU Congress every two years.