We are excited to announce the release of the second issue of the Journal of Biathlon Coaching. This biannual publication continues to unite esteemed coaches and academic experts, providing relevant insights and strategies to enhance biathlon coaching.

As we look forward to the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026, this edition contains the latest research results in different scientific fields and innovative training methods.

Main Content in this Issue:

• Performance: The unique physiological and psychological challenges faced by female athletes, such as hormonal cycles and the impacts of puberty and pregnancy, necessitate gender-specific coaching strategies. Kerry McGawley and Guro Strøm Solli highlight the benefits of addressing these factors through tailored training approaches.

• Interview: The interview with Sandra Flunger emphasizes the importance of maintaining athlete health and building a robust team, particularly in a small team setup. Looking ahead to the World Championships and the Olympics, Flunger stresses the importance of high-altitude camps to enhance aerobic and strength endurance.

• Physiology: Preparing for high-altitude competitions, such as those in Anterselva at around 1600 meters above sea level, demands meticulous preparation. Researchers Rune Kjøsen Talsnes and Øyvind Sandbakk recommend 10-14 days of acclimatization at competition altitude and regular high-altitude training camps. Integrating these altitude strategies with systematic athlete monitoring, as emphasized by Øyvind Karlsson, is essential for optimizing training outcomes and preventing injuries. By analyzing load measures and athlete well-being, coaches can tailor programs to individual needs.

• Monitoring: Øyvind Karlsson discusses the importance of athlete monitoring as the foundation for informed decision-making. By closely tracking training loads and athlete well-being, coaches can make data-driven adjustments to training programs, enhancing performance and reducing injury risks.

• Skiing: Recent studies underscore the critical importance of upper body strength, particularly in techniques like double poling (DP). Per-Øyvind Torvik's research demonstrates that longer poles in DP can reduce oxygen consumption and improve efficiency, enabling skiers to maintain better posture and generate greater force.

• Shooting: Miikka Köykkä identified an aiming strategies framework for biathlon standing shooting. This framework can help create more individualized technical drills and cues for biathletes, supporting their development.

IBU Head of Academy Gerold Sattlecker emphasizes the journal’s role:

This comprehensive approach, blending rigorous science with practical application, can support coaches to prepare for the upcoming World Championships in Lenzerheide 2025 and the Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026.

Access the second issue of the Journal of Biathlon Coaching here.

We are already excited about the third edition, scheduled for release in January 2025!