Belgium

Biathlon

Introductory Remark

1. Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) is allocated a limited number of Qualification Place(s), with the allocation method, the total number, and the maximum number per NOC being determined by the International Qualification Regulations issued by the International Federations (IF).

2. In its general selection regulations for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (hereinafter: “the Regulations” – available at www.teambelgium.be), the BOIC has defined the selection criteria (point 3) and the selection procedure (point 4) that will determine which Belgian athletes will be awarded these Qualification Place(s). This selection is carried out by the BOIC upon the recommendation of the Belgian National Federations.

3. In accordance with the Regulations, only those athletes who meet all selection criteria and whose selection has been approved by the BOIC Board of Directors (according to the procedure described in point 4 of the Regulations) will be selected.

The Selection Criteria

General Criteria

• Allocation to Belgium of one or more Qualification Place(s) in the relevant discipline and confirmation of the effective use of this place by the BOIC.

International Criteria
A. Meeting the possible admission criteria that all athletes must satisfy to obtain one of the Qualification Places allocated to their NOC, as determined by the International Federation of the discipline in its International Qualification Regulations.
B. Meeting the possible minimum performance criteria that all athletes must satisfy to obtain one of the Qualification Places allocated to their NOC, as determined by the International Federation of the discipline in its International Qualification Regulations.

Special Criteria

• Meeting the possible Special Criteria determined by the Belgian National Federation of the discipline, i.e., the selection criteria for an event at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, which are stricter than the International Criteria and may exceptionally be established by the Belgian National Federations that so wish, provided they are approved by the BOIC.

Internal Criteria

• Meeting the possible Internal Criteria determined by the Belgian National Federation of the discipline, i.e., the internal selection criteria for an event at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 that may be set by each National Federation subject to BOIC approval. These criteria will determine which of the athletes are selected from among those who have met all the General Criteria, International Criteria, and, if applicable, Special Criteria.

Application to Biathlon

4. The current criteria define the Special Criteria and/or the Internal Criteria applicable to the discipline of Biathlon for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
   These Selection Criteria are complementary to the Regulations and constitute their implementation for Biathlon at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. All provisions, modalities, and definitions of the Regulations form an integral part of these Selection Criteria.
   In case of contradiction, the provisions of the Regulations shall prevail over the provisions of these Selection Criteria. Only the version of these Selection Criteria published on the BOIC website is valid. Any other version of these Selection Criteria published elsewhere than on the BOIC website (e.g., on a Belgian National Federation website) shall be considered null and void and cannot be applied.

SPECIAL CRITERIA

Special Criteria – Individual Disciplines
Selected athletes may only participate in the individual disciplines (Sprint, Individual, Pursuit, Mass Start) if, during the qualification period for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina (from 25 November 2024 to 18 January 2026), they have achieved:

• at least two top-60 finishes in the disciplines “Sprint” or “Individual” in a World Cup race or at the Senior World Championships,
  or

• at least two top-10 finishes in the disciplines “Sprint” or “Individual” in an IBU Cup or at the Junior World Championships.

INTERNAL CRITERIA

For the nomination of athletes, Belgium Biathlon will rely on the “IBU Qualifying Point List (DATACENTER)” published by the IBU on 18 January 2026.

If the number of athletes who meet all General Criteria (3.1) and International Criteria (3.2) for the team disciplines – or the General Criteria (3.1), International Criteria (3.2), and Special Criteria (3.3) for individual disciplines – is greater than the maximum number of Belgian athletes who can be selected based on the number of qualification places allocated to Belgium, Belgium Biathlon will nominate the respective athletes according to the following priority:

A. Based on their ranking in the IBU Qualifying Point List of 18 January 2026, considering only points earned in the World Cup.
B. Based on their ranking in the IBU Qualifying Point List of 18 January 2026, considering only points earned in the IBU Cup.

If two or more Belgian athletes are tied under A., they will be nominated according to the following priority:

• the best place in an individual World Cup race between 29/11/25 and 18/01/26,

• the best place in an individual IBU Cup race between 29/11/25 and 18/01/26.

Mixed Relay
Only athletes selected according to the above procedure may participate in the mixed relay.
The head coach, in consultation with the assistant coach, determines the composition of the mixed relay with a view to the best possible performance.

3. REALLOCATION PLACES

In the event of the allocation to the BOIC of a reallocation qualification place:

• The Special Criteria as defined in point 1 remain applicable;

• The Internal Criteria as defined in point 2 remain applicable.

4. PROCEDURE

The procedure by which the BOIC selects the athletes whose registration as representatives of Belgium at the Olympic Winter Games will be forwarded to the organizing committee of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 shall be carried out in accordance with point 4 of the Regulations.

After the success of our international biathlon event in 2022 celebrating the official opening of our Herzebösch Cross-Country and Biathlon Center in Elsenborn, and our Belgian Open Championships in August 2023 & 2024, we are thrilled to announce another exciting event this year. From August 15th to 17th, 2025, the Ostbelgien Cross-Country and Biathlon Center Herzebösch will host the 2nd Open Belgian Summer Biathlon Championships.

We are proud to welcome both Belgian athletes and international competitors from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond. Recognized as an IBU Regional Event by the International Biathlon Union (IBU), this event is now part of the international summer biathlon calendar, promising thrilling competitions !

We are also glad to announce that the spectator entry is completely free! Come and enjoy the competitions and cheer on the athletes as they compete at the highest level. A bar and snack area will be available on-site, offering drinks and small meals at reasonable prices. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable experience!

You can check all the informations and the program on the following link:

Official Invitation

Offizielle Einladung

Invitation Officielle

Officiële uitnodiging

See you there!

DOWNLOAD the results of the belgian championships HERE

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games will be held in the setting of Milano Cortina, Italy, marking a return to the Italian Alps. From February 6 to February 22, athletes from around the globe will compete in the pinnacle of winter sports, striving for Olympic glory across all disciplines.

Belgium Biathlon is pleased to announce the official selection criteria for Belgian athletes aiming to participate in biathlon events:

Selection Criteria Overview

In line with the regulations set forth by the Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC), only athletes who meet all selection criteria and have received final approval from the BOIC Board of Directors will be selected for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The criteria are divided into four main categories:

1. General Criteria
   Belgium must secure one or more Qualification Places in the relevant discipline, with the COIB confirming the effective use of these places.
2. International Criteria
   Athletes must meet the following requirements established by the International Biathlon Union (IBU):
   • Admission requirements set by the International Federation, applicable to all athletes seeking a Qualification Place.
   • Minimum performance standards specified by the IBU for athletes aiming to secure a Qualification Place.
3. Specific Criteria for Individual Events
   To be eligible to compete in individual events (Sprint, Individual, Pursuit, Mass Start), athletes must achieve at least one of the following during the Olympic qualification period (November 25, 2024 – January 18, 2026):
   • Two top-60 finishes in “Sprint” or “Individual” events at World Cup races or senior World Championships.
   • Two top-10 finishes in “Sprint” or “Individual” events at IBU Cup races or Junior World Championships.
4. Internal Criteria
   To determine the final nominations, Belgium Biathlon will use the IBU Qualifying Point List published by the IBU on January 18, 2026. If the number of athletes meeting all General, International, and Specific Criteria exceeds the quota, selections will prioritize athletes based on:
   • Position on the IBU Qualifying Point List (World Cup points only).
   • Position on the IBU Qualifying Point List (IBU Cup points only).

   In cases where athletes are tied in points, the following factors will be used to break the tie:

   • Best result in an individual World Cup race between November 29, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
   • Best result in an individual IBU Cup race during the same period.
5. Mixed Relay Participation
   Only athletes who have qualified through this selection process may compete in the Mixed Relay. The team lineup for this event will be determined by the head coach, in consultation with the assistant coach, based on optimal performance potential.

All criteria are supplementary to the COIB regulations and must align with them. In cases of discrepancies, COIB regulations take precedence. The official selection criteria will only be valid as published on the COIB’s website.

The 17th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) will take place in 2025 in the city of Bordjomi and the winter sports resort of Bakuriani, Georgia. Talented athletes from across Europe will come together to compete in various Olympic disciplines, showcasing the next generation of sporting excellence. For the biathlon competition, Belgium will select its representatives based on specific criteria, ensuring that the most promising young talents have the opportunity to compete at this prestigious event.

Number of quota places:

• 4 boys
• 4 girls

Categories (age):

2007-2008

Particular criteria:

All criteria based on Sprint format

Female athletes:

• U17: Top 3 finish in Coupe de France U17 or Championnat de France U17
• U19: Top 40 in Youth World Championships (U19) or top 8 in Coupe de France U19
• U22: Top 45 in Junior IBU Cup U22

Male athletes:

• U17: Top 3 finish in Coupe de France U17 or Championnat de France U17
• U19: Top 30 in Youth World Championships (U19) or top 12 in Coupe de France U19
• U22: Top 50 in Junior IBU Cup U22

The Belgian Summer Biathlon Championships concluded today in Elsenborn with mass start races on the schedule.

Lotte Lie keeps grinding

Just like in the prologue the day before, it was Lotte Lie who took the victory in the women’s race, retaining her title from last year. With an impressive 18/20 in shooting, she finished 32 seconds ahead of Germany’s Julia Tannheimer (16/20) and 46 seconds ahead of her compatriot Maya Cloetens (17/20). Ève Bouvard finished 8th, and Marine Debloem took 9th place.

See the results here: U19-SEN Women

It was the day of Thierry Langer

In the men’s race, the local athlete Thierry Langer claimed victory, leading the race from start to finish and scoring 16/20 in shooting. He finished 32 seconds ahead of France’s Gaetan Paturel (15/20) and 42 seconds ahead of Germany’s Jannis Dold (15/20). Florent Claude, who was less precise in shooting, finished 5th (13/20), just ahead of César Beauvais in 6th place (13/20). Juniors Julien PetitJacques and Sam Parmantier finished 13th and 14th.

See the results here: Masstart A Men

Other results:

Masstart B Men

U17 Men

U17 Women

The leader of the Belgian women’s team, Lotte Lie, claimed victory late in the afternoon at the Elsenborn venue in the prologue of the Belgian Summer Biathlon Championships. In the men’s competition, it was the German Linus Kesper who won, finishing 7 seconds ahead of Florent Claude.

The Belgian Lynxes had their first meeting of the year at this “IBU Regional Event,” held at the home OstBelgien Stadium in Elsenborn. It was an opportunity to validate the first part of their preparation for the upcoming winter competitions. The race was held in a dynamic prologue format over 5 km with 2 shooting stages, and despite the rain, it was a great show.

In the women’s race, Lotte Lie won with one penalty, finishing 27 seconds ahead of Germany’s Julia Tannheimer (2 penalties) and 43 seconds ahead of Dana Horngacher (0 penalties). On the Belgian side, Maya Cloetens finished fourth (3 penalties, +0:55), ahead of Ève Bouvard (3 penalties, +1:13).

You can find the full results here: U19-SEN Women

In the men’s race, the German Linus Kesper (5 penalties) beat Florent Claude (2 penalties, +0:07) and his compatriot Dold Jannis (3 penalties, +0:24). Thierry Langer finished fourth (6 penalties, +0:24), while César Beauvais and Sam Parmantier took 6th and 7th places. Julien PetitJacques rounded out the top 10.

Full results here: U19-SEN Men

The results of the younger categories are also available here:

U17

U13-U15

Tomorrow, the competition continues with the mass starts, where the titles of Belgian Summer Biathlon Champion will be awarded!

The start list for tomorrow is here: Start List Masstart

After the success of our international biathlon event in 2022 celebrating the official opening of our Herzebösch Cross-Country and Biathlon Center in Elsenborn, and our 1st Belgian Open Championships in August 2023, we are thrilled to announce another exciting event this year. From August 16th to 18th, 2024, the OstBelgien Cross-Country and Biathlon Center Herzebösch will host the 2nd Open Belgian Summer Biathlon Championships.

We are proud to welcome both Belgian athletes and international competitors from France, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond. Recognized as an IBU Regional Event by the International Biathlon Union (IBU), this event is now part of the international summer biathlon calendar, promising thrilling competitions !

We are also glad to announce that the spectator entry is completely free! Come and enjoy the competitions and cheer on the athletes as they compete at the highest level. A bar and snack area will be available on-site, offering drinks and small meals at reasonable prices. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable experience!

You can check all the informations and the program on the following link:

Official Invitation

Offizielle Einladung

Invitation Officielle

Officiële uitnodiging

See you there!

Are you ready for a new adventure that combines running and precision shooting? Crossbiathlon is the perfect sport for you! Open to everyone, regardless of whether you are a seasoned cross-country skier, biathlete, or a complete beginner, Crossbiathlon offers an exciting challenge. Participants run multiple laps and then shoot with laser rifles, making it an inclusive and beginner-friendly sport that anyone can enjoy.

Results

2km: Results

4.8km: Results

10km: Results

Team-Event: Results

Where and When?

Join us on Sunday 11/08  in the OstBelgien Biathlonzentrum Herzebösch!

From 9:30 till 13h

•First Start Wave: 9:30 AM – 5 or 6 runners start every 5 or 10 minutes

•Last Start Wave: 1:00 PM

•Exact start times will be communicated a few days before the event.

Participants should arrive about 1 hour before their start time to collect their race materials, warm-up on the course, familiarize themselves with the start/finish zone and penalty loops, and practice shooting (with two practice ranges on the football field).

•3 minutes before the start: Briefing

Distances, Categories, and Penalty Loops:

•2 km (4 x 500 m), Penalty Loop: 75 m

•U12 (2013-2016) and all other categories

•4.8 km (4 x 1.2 km), Penalty Loop: 150 m

•U12, U14 (2011-2012), U17 (2008-2010), U19 (2006-2007), Ladies and Men (2005 and older)

•10 km (4 x 2.5 km), Penalty Loop: 150 m

•Ladies and Men

Shooting:

Participants will use laser rifles, with each competitor shooting four times (once after each lap), taking five shots each time.

•U12: Shooting with support, prone only

•U14: Shooting without support, prone only

•U17, U19, Ladies, and Men: Prone and standing shooting, in the sequence: prone – standing – prone – standing (for 2 km, 4.8 km, and 10 km)

Registration and Fees:

•Registration Deadline: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 on this link : Registration

•Fees:

•U12 – 2 km: €5

•U14, U17, U19, Ladies, and Men – 2 km: €8

•U12, U14, U17, U19, Ladies, and Men – 4.8 km: €8 (BDE members) / €13 (Non-members)

•Ladies and Men – 10 km: €11 (BDE members) / €16 (Non-members)

Team Relay – Corporate Event:

•Format: Relay race

•Teams consist of three participants, passing the baton by touch

•Distances: 3 x 2 km or 3 x 4.8 km

•Registration Fees: Sum of individual fees (see above)

•Registration and payment on-site

Join us for an unforgettable day of sport, fun, and camaraderie at the Crossbiathlon event. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or a curious beginner, there’s a place for you in this dynamic and inclusive competition. See you there!

The Belgian Biathlon Federation is proud to announce the composition of the national teams for the 2023/2024 season, marking a significant step in preparing athletes for upcoming international competitions.

Projections for the 2024/2025 Season

For the upcoming season, the national team will be divided into several groups based on performance and points scored:

• Elite Group: Comprising athletes who have scored points in the World Cup and reached the top 40 at the World Championships.

  • Lotte Lie
  • Maya Cloetens
  • Ève Bouvard
  • Florent Claude
  • Thierry Langer

The World Cup team will be led by both François Soulié and Margit Dahl Sørensen.

• Group A: Including athletes who have achieved 150 points in the IBU rankings.

  • Rieke De Mayer
  • Marek Mackels
  • César Beauvais
  • Julien Petitjacques (Junior)

• Junior Elite Group : Including athletes scoring top 40 at JWCH or 180 points in the IBU rankings

  • Marine Debloem
  • Sam Parmantier

• Development Group : Including promising athletes

  • Emma Gross
  • Léa Gross
  • Manon Gabriel
  • Ella Fink
  • Justine Gabriel
  • Elisabeth Schroeder
  • Mauro Fink
  • Antoine Magis
  • Louis Debloem
  • Andy Arens
  • Tom Arens
  • Fynn Langer
  • Noah Soltani
  • Louis Bastin

Objectives for the 2024/2025 season:

For the upcoming season, the Belgian biathlon team has set ambitious and clearly defined objectives across all levels of competition.

In the World Cup, the primary goal is for both the men’s and women’s teams to break into the top 20, which would secure four Olympic quotas, reflecting a significant step forward in enhancing individual performances.

In the IBU Cup, the focus is on enabling as many athletes as possible to meet the IBU criteria necessary for participation in the World Cup.

For our Junior athletes, the emphasis is on personal progression, fostering a strong foundation for the future of Belgian biathlon.