What is zeroing in biathlon?
A · Advanced · Starts, finish and penalties · 3 of 4Before a race, biathletes zero their rifles: they shoot at paper targets at the range to adjust the sights for the day's wind and light. Zeroing lasts 45 minutes, starting an hour before the first start, or 30 minutes for pursuits, mass starts and relays. Metal targets may not be used. The course opens for warm-up up to three hours before.
How it works
- Zeroing: 45 minutes, starting 1 hour before and ending 5 minutes before the first start.
- Pursuit, mass start, relay: 30 minutes, ending 15 minutes before the start.
- Super sprint final: 15 minutes.
- Targets: paper at the same distance and height as the race targets; no metal targets.
- Lanes: one per team, drawn or set by start list.
- Official training: at least once before the first race, on courses prepared as for racing.
- Warm-up: course open up to 3 hours before the start; closed 5 minutes before.
- Separate sexes: men and women zero and train separately unless allowed.
The glossary has the zeroing, the sight adjustment, the target, the shooting range, the course and the start numbers.
Tricky cases
Can a biathlete zero on the metal targets?
No. Zeroing uses paper targets only.
Can a reserve athlete zero?
Yes, one reserve per team, except in pursuits and mass starts.
Can a skier warm up on the course 2 minutes before the start?
No. Skiing on the course is banned from 5 minutes before the start.
What happens if a team breaks the zeroing rules?
The biathlete may be prohibited from starting.
Why the rule exists
Wind and light change by the day, so a shooter's sights must be checked on the range they will use. Fixed times give every team the same chance.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Individual, sprint | 45-minute zeroing | IBU 5.3.1 |
| Pursuit, mass start, relay | 30 minutes | IBU 5.3.1 |
| Fluor-tested events | Course opens 3.5 hours before | IBU 5.4 |
From the rule book
International Biathlon Union, Event and Competition Rules (version 2026), Articles 5 and 11.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, amended by the IBU Congress every two years.