Is there a cold limit in biathlon?
A · Advanced · Starts, finish and penalties · 4 of 4Races must not start colder than -20 °C at the coldest point, 1.5 m above the ground, or -15 °C for youth and junior races. Below -15 °C, wind chill must be considered. Athletes are grouped as seniors, under-21, under-19 and under-17. Protests go in writing with €100, up to 15 minutes after the unofficial results.
How it works
- Cold limit: -20 °C; -15 °C for youth and juniors.
- Wind chill: considered below -15 °C (-10 °C for youth and juniors), with the doctors.
- Season: 1 July to 30 June.
- Age classes: senior, under-21 (junior), under-19 (youth), under-17.
- Moving up: juniors and youth may race older classes, one class per event in individual races.
- Protests: in writing, on the IBU form, with €100, refunded if upheld.
- Deadline: from zeroing until 15 minutes after the unofficial results.
- Serious cases: the jury may repeat or annul a race.
The glossary has the weather limits, the age classes, the protest, the Competition Jury, the disqualification and the competition time.
Tricky cases
It is -18 °C. Can a junior race start?
No. The limit for youth and juniors is -15 °C.
Can a junior race the senior sprint and the junior pursuit at one event?
No. At an event they must stay in one age class for the individual, sprint and pursuit.
When can eligibility be protested?
At any time up to the end of the protest period for that race.
Can the jury cancel a whole race after a protest?
Yes, if the problem was serious enough to cast doubt on the result.
Why the rule exists
Cold limits protect athletes, especially young ones, from frostbite. A short protest window settles results while officials and evidence are still at hand.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seniors | -20 °C limit | IBU 6.6.1 |
| Youth and juniors | -15 °C limit | IBU 6.6.1 |
| Final results | Protest only to the Jury of Appeal | IBU 9.4.2.3 |
From the rule book
International Biathlon Union, Event and Competition Rules (version 2026), Articles 1.3, 6.6, 9.4.2 and 10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, amended by the IBU Congress every two years.