How is the finish decided in biathlon?
I · Intermediate · Starts, finish and penalties · 6 of 7A skier's time stops when they break the beam at the finish line. In head-to-head races the first across the line wins, and a photo finish decides close calls by the first part of the first foot. Times are recorded to a tenth of a second, and equal times share a place. Lapped skiers stop at top events.
How it works
- Finish: when the beam is broken, or a foot crosses the line with hand timing.
- Relays: the last member's finish.
- Head-to-head races: order of crossing, after any penalties.
- Photo finish: required at top events; the first part of the first foot.
- Tenths: times are measured to 0.1 seconds.
- Ties: equal places and points; the next place is skipped.
- Lapped: in pursuits, mass starts and relays at top events, lapped skiers stop.
- Interrupted races: with fewer than three bouts done, no results.
The glossary has the photo finish, the lapped athletes, the competition time, the protest, the mass start and the relay.
Tricky cases
Two skiers have the same time in a sprint. Who is higher?
They share the place and the points.
A photo finish cannot split two skiers. What happens?
A tie is declared.
A pursuit is stopped by snow after three bouts. Is there a result?
Yes, from the timing point after the third bout's penalty loop.
Do lapped relay teams get points?
Yes, by their position when lapped.
Why the rule exists
Tenths of seconds are fine enough for skiing, where courses vary with the snow. Photo finishes settle close head-to-head finishes fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Top events | Photo finish required | IBU 9.2.6 |
| Junior relays | Lapped teams may continue for a time | IBU 9.2.4.1.2 |
| Relays stopped after leg 3 | That hand-over time counts | IBU 9.2.8.2 |
From the rule book
International Biathlon Union, Event and Competition Rules (version 2026), Article 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, amended by the IBU Congress every two years.