Biathlon is a winter sport that combines two disciplines: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes compete in races that involve skiing a set distance while stopping at shooting ranges to fire at targets with a rifle. The competition typically consists of several laps of skiing, interspersed with shooting bouts where competitors aim to hit a series of targets, usually set at a distance of 50 meters. Points are deducted for missed targets, which may require athletes to ski additional distance as a penalty. Biathlon tests both endurance and precision, making it a unique challenge that demands both physical fitness and shooting accuracy. It is traditionally held in winter sports contexts and is featured in the Winter Olympics.
The Nove Mesto Biathlon World Cup showcased dramatic narratives, with Franziska Preuß and Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold at the forefront. Franziska Preuß, originally a favorite for the Yellow Bib, faced setbacks…