The World Cup season opens in November in Kontiolahti

The Biathlon World Cup tour 2020–21 kicks off in November in Kontiolahti. The International Biathlon Union IBU has granted Kontiolahti Urheilijat ry also the responsibility of organizing the opening event of the 2021–22 season.

The opening event of the World Cup circus at the end of November renews the opening of the tour.

The ten-day opening event, which was previously built for one location, will be divided between two different locations from November 2020. The locations are Kontiolahti and Östersund in Sweden.

"With a tight rhythm between Kontiolahti and Östersund, we are looking for a sharp start to the season. The new arrangement provides better implementation opportunities for all parties," says Tomi-Pekka Riihivuori, who led the March 2020 event.

He predicts great media attention for the November event.

"In any sport, the opening of the World Cup in any sport attracts a lot of attention. We can prepare for that here too."

SNOWFALL BRINGED THE EVENT

The World Cup tour covers nine races and the season-long value races.

The timing of the season opening at the end of November is not easy, as the availability of snow is uncertain in many race locations.

Kontiolahti's snow reliability will serve the World Cup well.

"The competition for the right to organize World Cup competitions is fierce among different countries. The transfer of the opening event to Finland and Kontiolahti is an indication of confidence that the most important thing for the event, i.e. the snow conditions, will be secured," says Riihivuori.