From the 1st to the 3rd of December, the picturesque town of Bessans in Savoie, France, hosted the the kick off of this winter's IBU Regional Event series. Marking the season's opening, the event was also the first on-snow competition of the French National series for 2023-2024.

Amidst the challenging mix of cold, windy conditions on day one and a sunny day two, athletes from Belgium, Italy, and France showcased their skills in Short Sprint and Sprint competitions. The event, integrated with the Biathlon National Tour, saw a remarkable display of talent and sportsmanship.

Big thanks to the French Ski Federation, l'Etoile Sportive Bessannaise, and the devoted volunteers from Haute Maurienne Vanoise Valley for the organization. Their efforts ensured a seamless and successful event, contributing significantly to its grandeur.

Special thanks also go to the commune of Bessans for providing the venue and logistical support, the Tourism Office of Haute Maurienne Vanoise, and all partners for their invaluable assistance and backing.

With 21 events scheduled this winter, the IBU Regional Event series promises an exciting season for biathlon enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to check out the full IBU Regional Event Calendar 2023/2024 for all upcoming events.

Join us for the next IBU Regional Event on the 14th -17th of December in Oberwiesenthal (GER). We look forward to another spectacular gathering of the biathlon community!