Belgium

Biathlon

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.

Have you ever dreamed of testing your biathlon skills? LBZ Herzebösch offers you the unique opportunity to explore our thrilling sport during initiation sessions at the Ostbelgien stadium in Elsenborn. Whether you’re one of our team’s biggest fan or looking for a new sporting adventure, these sessions are the perfect chance to dive into the world of biathlon!

When and Where?

Our initiation sessions will be held once a month on the following dates:

• May 11, 2024, from 4 PM to 6 PM
• June 28, 2024, from 7 PM to 9 PM
• July 19, 2024, from 7 PM to 9 PM
• August 4, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM

All sessions will take place at the Ostbelgien stadium in Elsenborn, the unique biathlon stadium in Belgium !

Unique Experience

During these initiation sessions, you’ll have the chance to handle real biathlon rifles and try your hand at shooting, just like Florent Claude or Lotte Lie. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience our fabulous sport!

Fee Contribution

A fee of €15 per person is requested to cover equipment and organization costs.

Registration and Information

To register or for more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at biathlon.elsenborn@gmail.com. Spaces are limited, so make sure to book yours now!

Don’t miss this chance to test your biathlon talents and immerse yourself in the excitement of our Olympic sport. We look forward to sharing our passion for biathlon with you!

After two fruitful years at the helm of Belgium’s A team, Clément Dumont has announced his departure from the federation. His tenure allowed the Belgian national biathlon team to reach unprecedented heights, notably achieving an impressive 8th place in the mixed relay at the World Championships in Nove Mesto and a 19th place in the nations’ ranking for the women’s team.

A positive record

Under Dumont’s leadership, the Belgian team demonstrated significant progress, marking both the minds and the international results. The pinnacle of this ascent was the remarkable performance at the World Championships in Nove Mesto, an achievement that will remain etched in the history of Belgian biathlon.

Reasons for departure

Clément Dumont now wishes to prioritize his personal and professional life, seeking stability after an intense career both on the tracks and leading the team. “A biathlon season is very demanding and restrictive” Dumont explains, highlighting the difficulty of balancing the responsibilities of coaching with his job as a physio in Chamonix. This self-acknowledged perfectionist has chosen to dedicate himself fully to one project, leaving behind a promising Belgian team.

A lasting legacy

Dumont leaves a Belgian team on the rise, with hopes that the momentum initiated will transform into a solid foundation for training in Belgium. “Belgium can become a biathlon country in the future” he asserts, confident in the sport’s development potential in the country.

Recognition and future

Philippe Heck, the federation’s president, expresses his gratitude towards Dumont for his commitment and significant contributions. Although his departure is a loss, the search for a new coach is already underway, with the promise that Margit Dahl Sorensen, already appreciated for her skills, will play a key role in the transition and continued development of the team.

Belgian biathlon looks towards the future with gratitude towards Clément Dumont for his dedication and excitement for the coming chapters.

Obertilliach, March 6-9 – The IBU Cup season draws to a close in Obertilliach this week, featuring a packed schedule that includes an individual race, a sprint, and a masstart 60, this final week is set to be the climax of a challenging season!

Belgian representation

Belgium will be represented by Maya Cloetens and Julien Petitjacques, two of our biggest talents in Belgian biathlon, on the courses of Obertilliach. While the rest of the Belgian delegation competes at the World Cup in Soldier Hollow, Cloetens and Petitjacques have a prime opportunity to excel and conclude the IBU Cup season on a high note.

All races are broadcasted live on Eurovision Sport

You can also follow all the datas on the IBU Datacenter

Event schedule

6 March:

10h30: 15km Individual women

14h15: 20km Individual men

8 March:

10h30: 7.5km Sprint women

14h: 10km Sprint men

9 March:

10h30: 12km Masstart60 women

13h15: 15km Masstart60 men

Season end and well-deserved break

The week in Obertilliach not only signifies the culmination of the IBU Cup season but also the start of a well-deserved break for the athletes. Following this final competition, participants will enjoy a vacation until May 1, when training resumes for the next season.