60 athletes start simultaneously, covering the distance of 15 km for men and 12 km for women. After the first loop, 30 first athletes (bibs 1-30) proceed to the range for their first shooting, while bibs 31-60 continue for a second loop without shooting. After the second loop, the procedure is vice versa: the second 30 athletes (bibs 31-60) proceed to the first shooting bout, while bibs 1-30 continue skiing without shooting. After two groups conducted their first prone shooting, the competition is organized as in a pursuit. The order of athletes (with bibs 31-60 ski up to the range first and bibs 1-30 continue skiing after the first loop) can be alternated.