2011 WU Update: Biathlon Test Event

A ‘dry’ biathlon test event was held

ERZURUM – October 19th and 20th, the Organizing Committee of the 25th Winter Universiade in Erzurum held the first practical test for biathlon. The new biathlon facility has been built in Kandilli, approximately 40 km away from Erzurum. It was the first time where all biathlon structural functions were involved in different positions. Sprint and Pursuit were the two competitions held for testing all functions, all equipments, in particular staff and volunteers involvement. Weather helped to run the test in a smooth way. All functions had sufficient activities and practical exercises to acknowledge.

The FISU technical delegate for biathlon Ondrej RYBAR (CZE), as well as the IBU Technical Delegate Ubaldo PRUCKER (ITA), were both present to cooperate with the OC. Their experiences and tips were very useful and helped solving the problems with the shooting range, time keeping system and course preparation before the start.

At 10:30, the test event kicked off and 13 male and 7 female athletes participated. Both days were successfully conducted from the preparation moment, zeroing time, start and finish as well as material control functions. Luckily, there came out several issues to be solved immediately by a shooting range staff with respect to the technical rules. Regardless to the individual result, the most important and successful moment was when at the end of these two testing days all functions and staff involved gathered important knowledge for the next test event.

The FISU Director to the Winter Universiade Milan AUGUSTIN (SVK) who was also on the venue during the competition had a possibility to discuss important and pending issues with the relevant OC representatives. After the test event the IBU TD Ubaldo PRUCKER had a short meeting with all the OC staff and volunteers and provided them with valuable comments and remarks. According to him, having this test event was necessary as it pointed out what still has to be done. He was, however, very satisfied with the progress that the OC has made so far and is very optimistic for the future.

(Source: Jiho Kim, FISU Sport Assistant)