What is a para biathlon team sprint?
I · Intermediate · Events and classes · 2 of 3The sprint pursuit is a short qualification, where a miss costs 15 seconds, then a final for those within 30 per cent of the winner. The team sprint pairs two athletes of any gender, each skiing two legs; the top ten teams within 20 per cent reach the final. Deductions allow for women and NS1 shooting time.
How it works
- Sprint pursuit: qualification, then final.
- Qualification miss: 15 seconds.
- Final: within 30% of the winner.
- Final miss: 75 m loop.
- Team sprint: two athletes, four legs.
- Events: sitting, and standing with VI.
- Final: top ten within 20%.
- Deductions: 15% women standing or VI, 13% women sitting, 2% NS1.
The glossary has the sprint pursuit, the sprint pursuit qualification, the sprint pursuit final, the team sprint, the team sprint percentage deductions and the hand-over zone.
Tricky cases
Can the team order change for the final?
No. It must match the qualification.
Leaving the hand-over zone early?
2 minutes, unless the skier goes back.
Why the NS1 deduction?
To allow for shooting time.
Can the field in the final be cut?
Yes, if over 1.5 times the shooting lanes.
Why the rule exists
Short formats suit television. Deductions let mixed teams of different classes compete fairly.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | 15 seconds | E 1.4 Table 1 |
| Final | 75 m loop | E 1.4 Table 1 |
| Team sprint | Deductions | E 1.4.1 |
From the rule book
IBU, Para Biathlon Event and Competition Rules (version 2025), articles 1.4.1, 6.1.3, 6.1.5 and 11.3.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IBU Para Biathlon ECR 2025.