Introduction:

The British Biathlon Union (BBU) Laser Race Series was established in 2023 to encourage participation in biathlon competitions, develop a biathlon community, and offer fair competition to skiers of all standards. In 2025, Biathloppets were introduced, combining two Nordic races and two biathlon races into one race weekend, with all four races counting towards the overall Biathloppet result, further fostering the bond between the Nordic and biathlon communities.

2026 will also see the introduction of summer British Championships stand alone event in addition to the race series.

The BBU will organise all biathlon events in the series, but may collaborate with other ski clubs to organise Nordic races. These races may be run under the rules of other relevant roller-ski series.

General

Series Directors will be appointed each year. For 2026, these are:

Series Director: Elizabeth Winfield

Race Director: Carl Carrier

The Series Directors will adjudicate on rules and any disputes.

Competitions are open to all nationalities, although specific trophies may be awarded to British citizens only.

The series will have a dedicated webpage on www.britishbiathlon.com and will also be shared on the GB roller-ski race Facebook page  .

Duties of the Series Directors:

Handle and account for any money raised from donations or sponsorship specifically collected for the Series. This money shall be used for trophies, prizes or other Series-related expenditure.

They must also keep the website/Facebook page up to date by posting upcoming race information, race results with series points, series standings, photos, and other relevant information. Notify/advertise races through the BBU website, Facebook page, clubs, and other appropriate social media channels.

Races and venues:

A minimum of three events shall comprise the Series.

Races should be distributed evenly around the UK to maximise attendance and exposure.

Categories and other provisions

The main age groups will follow the IBU classes. Due to the league overlapping the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons, they will be based on the 2026/27 age classes. There will also be an ‘open’ category in the running race that offsets age and gender plus a Children’s class in all races.

BAMBINI, 2017 or later

CHILDREN 2012-2016

U17, 2010-2011

U19, 2008-2009

U21, 2006-2007

SENIOR, 2005 or earlier

MASTERS, 1986 or earlier

OPEN, Adjusted results to offset gender and age

PARA, Sitting & Standing

Prizes:

Sustainable medals will be awarded to the winner of each category at the end of each race in the Biathloppet. Then, medals will be awarded to the podium places in each age category for the combined biathlon results, plus one special prize for the winner of the running biathlon race in the Open category.

Race results will be shared on each race day, with an update of the race series posted within seven days.

Points earned in the biathlon races will count towards the overall league, which is based on athletes’ two best results in the running and roller skiing biathlon races. Nordic races will count towards any relevant roller skiing race series.

General race rules

Competitors under the age of 16 must have their entry forms signed by a parent, guardian or responsible adult.

Entry forms shall contain the option to withhold permission for photographs to be published.

Competitors must wear the minimum safety equipment of an appropriate safety helmet (e.g. a cycle helmet) and eye protection unless adverse weather conditions hinder visibility.

Roller-ski wheels:

Skate: no faster than US6/#2.

For classic skiers, the maximum speed is 6C6/#2 wheels; only rubber training wheels are permitted.

Rifles, targets and ammunition:

The Eco Aims laser rifles and targets will be used for this competition. These rifles are eye-safe and can be used by both left- and right-handed shooters.

All rifles will be zeroed by the same person to ensure continuity of zero. All competitors can shoot prone from a rifle rest, and children will only shoot from the prone position.

Targets – Targets will be set to biathlon standing for all competitors in the prone and standing positions to offset the ability to zero the rifle to each athlete.

Ammunition: Laser rifles do not require any ammunition.

Liability & Insurance:

Any competitor with BBU membership will have the relevant cover for all BBU races.

For non-members and those without personal public liability insurance, an additional £3 will be charged at the event, either by cash or card.

Risk assessments for all events will be conducted in advance to ensure a safe course is set for skiers of all abilities, while still maintaining a challenging course. It is the responsibility of each skier (or their parent/guardian/responsible adult) to decide whether they are capable of skiing the course.

Points Scoring System

The IBU World Cup Nations Cup points system will be used to award points for the race series, with separate points awarded for men and women. At each stage of the running and roller-ski competitions, the following points are awarded:

1st place: 160 points

2nd place: 154 points

3rd place: 148 points

4th place: 143 points

5th place: 140 points

6th place: 138 points

7th place: 136 points

8th place: 134 points

9th place: 132 points

10th place: 131 points

Then decreasing by one point down to 80th place.

Breaking of ties in standings:

If there is an equal number of points in any standings at the end of the season, the competitor who is ranked highest will be the one who won the most first places. If there is still a tie, the competitor who won the most second places will be ranked higher, and so on. If the tie cannot be broken after following this procedure, the athlete who placed highest in the Open category will be used.