Australia Biathlon Championships – Race Season Update

It’s shaping up to be the best snow season in years, and the first races of the Australia Biathlon Championships are fast approaching!

Thanks to the fantastic work of the Biathlon Australia Board and our Executive Officer, we are thrilled to offer a reduced race entry fee of just $22 per race.

This fee includes:

• Common race waxing for one pair of skis per athlete
  (Please drop off skis the day before the race. If that’s not possible, a limited number by arrangement can be waxed on the morning of the race.)
• Athletes wanting more than one pair of skis can arrange this at a extra cost.

Common waxing is standard at IBU Regional and Junior events, and we’re proud to provide this high-level service here in Australia—at no extra cost to athletes.

Pre-Race Training Camps

Leading into the races, the range will be busy with training camps run by our Guest International Head Coach Ana, supported by Australian coaches.  

Athletes will also receive race zeroing support from the coaching team, or you’re welcome to work with your own coach if preferred.

Please note:
We have several camps, the range will be busy, but public access to the range will be maintained.

What is common waxing?

Common waxing is a practice where all athletes use the same standardized wax applied by designated technicians. This approach eliminates the option for individual teams or athletes to select and apply their own wax.

The primary goal of common waxing is to promote fairness by minimizing performance differences caused by unequal access to waxing expertise, specialized products, and equipment.

This practice gained traction partly due to the ban on fluorocarbon waxes, which were prohibited because of their harmful effects on both the environment and human health.

Why is Common Waxing a Good Idea for Australian Biathlon Races

• Ensures a level playing field for all athletes, regardless of their access to waxing resources.
• Reduces financial burdens by eliminating the need to purchase expensive waxes and hire professional waxing technicians.
• Saves time and effort by streamlining waxing logistics, allowing athletes to focus more on training and performance.
• Shifts emphasis away from technical waxing advantages toward skiing ability and physical conditioning.

We need to acknowledge it’s not the perfect solution because some experienced coaches may find it limiting, as they cannot optimize ski preparation based on specific snow and weather conditions.

There are some logistical challenges which requires athletes to submit their skis early for waxing, which can be inconvenient.

In the case of Biathlon Australia races we think the overall benefits outweigh these drawbacks.

Look forward to seeing everyone training and racing, 

Sandra Paul

General Manager Biathlon Australia