Biathlon World Returns to Canmore 

The stage is set for the season finale of the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2024 in Canmore. From March 11-17 Canmore plays host to 190 of the world's best biathletes, in the largest Biathlon Event ever held in Canmore.

Following the COOP FIS Cross Country held in Canmore this past February, the Biathlon World Cup continues the town's storied legacy of hosting unforgettable international sporting events. This year's World Cup is the 8th international biathlon event held in Canmore in the past 12 years, and as the season finale ten season-long World Cup globes will be awarded, including the Nations Cup. Whether you are a diehard fan or experiencing the sport for the first time, the action will bring you to your feet.

The races are free to attend, with VIP packages also available for purchase.

What is Biathlon?

Biathlon is an Olympic sport combining cross-country skiing and precision rifle shooting. The combination of the two events adds to the unpredictability, suspense, and excitement! After skiing the course, athletes arrive at the shooting range with a racing heartbeat, heaving chest, and ticking clock. Targets are 4.5cm (the size of a Timbit) for prone shooting and 11.5cm (the size of a CD) for standing shooting, at a 50m distance on the shooting range.

BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon 2024 Canmore

Athletes from 24 nations will compete in Canmore, marking the first international Biathlon competition to be held at the newly renovated Canmore Nordic Centre. Free shuttle transportation is available from downtown Canmore, with an array of community events, including ice-skating and tobogganing available at the Nordic Centre. Take in the free spectator fan zone on the weekend, with food trucks, live music, and activities for the whole family.

Looking to break a sweat? Enjoy the 2.5km Art Walk in the Woods from downtown Canmore to the Canmore Nordic Centre, featuring seven art installations.

The action is fast and electrifying, and there is no better place to experience it than under the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies. There’s a ticket for everyone, with free general admission, and tickets available for a single-day or for the full event at www.canmorebiathlon.ca .

Program

Please note times are subject to change – for more information, including up to the minute race results, shuttle transportation times, and race schedules please visit www.canmorebiathlon.ca and follow us on Instagram @canmorebiathlon and Facebook Canmore Biathlon.

14 March SPRINT - Women 10:40 - 11:50

Time is of the essence! In the sprint athletes are racing against the clock in a time trial, starting at 30-second intervals. Three loops are skied with two shooting stages in between (prone and standing). Each missed target requires a 150m penalty loop. The stakes are high as the top 60 athletes qualify for the Pursuit competition!

15 March SPRINT - Men 10:40 - 11:50

Following the same format as the Women on Thursday, the Men take to the course on Friday, looking to advance to the weekend races in Canmore.

16 March PURSUIT - Women 11:10 - 11:55

PURSUIT - Men 15:10 - 15:55

The top 60 athletes from the sprint move ahead and the chase is on! The start interval is determined by the sprint results. Competitors ski 5 loops with 4 shooting stages – the first two prone, and second two standing. A penalty loop of 150m is required for each missed shot before starting the next lap. This competition is full of big moves and sudden drama, especially in the final shooting stage, when victory is often on the line. The first to cross the finish line is the winner! The Women take centre stage in the morning, with the Men competing in the afternoon.

17 March MASS START - Women 11:10 - 11:55

MASS START - Men 15:10 - 15:55

Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to the races in Canmore during the Mass Start, as 30 athletes start simultaneously. Tactics abound with quick, accurate shooting being essential. Five laps of the course are skied with four shooting stages in between – the first two prone, the second two standing. A penalty loop of 150m is required for each missed shot before starting the next lap. The first across the finish line is the winner!