Skis

Biathletes now only use free technique (or skating) cross-country ski equipment. As biathletes must start and finish the competition on the same pair of skis, all skis are marked as the athlete enters the start area. The athlete cannot exchange a ski unless it is broken during the competition. All equipment must meet the International Biathlon Union (IBU) competition rules.

Poles

Ski poles used for biathlon are the same as those used for cross-country skiing. If an athlete breaks a pole during the competition, he/she may be given a new one from a coach or other person on the side of the course. Poles make a significant contribution to a skier’s forward motion.

Clothing

A biathlete wears either a one- or two-piece suit made of stretchy fabric that fits tightly to the body; these suits are similar to runners or cyclists’ training clothing.

Wax

The wax a skier chooses for their skis can often be the difference between winning and losing. Knowing what wax to use is determined by snow and weather conditions. Biathletes use a glide wax to decrease the friction between the skis and the snow.

Boots

A biathlete’s ski boots are similar to rigid hiking shoes with strong ankle support, but are much lighter.

Bindings

Bindings secure only the toe of the boot to the ski. They often have a spring that brings the ski back to the base of the foot when the ski is not weighted.

Rifle

The biathlon rifle is a modified .22 calibre (5.6 mm) rifle designed with an action that is a variation of bolt or lever action. It has a minimum weight of 3.5 kilograms and is equipped with a shooting sling. Loading or unloading may be executed only by the competitor’s muscle force; no automatic aids are allowed. The magazines (or bullet compartments) for the rifle may only hold five rounds (or shots) of ammunition, and the maximum muzzle velocity for a bullet is 380 metres/second. The rifle is carried on the athlete’s back using a carrying harness, with the barrel arranged vertically.