Biathlon Commonwealth Cup leg kicks off in Raubichi

More than 80 biathletes have entered the competition, including Olympic medalists, world championship podium finishers, and World Cup stage medalists. The list of participants features leaders of the Belarusian national team, including Anton Smolski and Dzinara Smolskaya, Hanna Sola, and Dzmitry Lazouski, and also top Russian representatives such as Kristina Reztsova, Natalia Shevchenko, Victoria Slivko, Eduard Latypov, and many others.

“We welcome the participants, fans, and spectators of this grand event. Once again, the world’s best athletes will demonstrate their skill before the Belarusian stands,” Sports Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said. “The legendary Raubichi has hosted a number of high-level competitions throughout its more than fifty-year history, and I am confident this tournament will continue that tradition. He extended special thanks to the staff for preparing the venue in tough weather.

The three-day competition will feature five medal events. The action begins Friday with the sprints, continues with pursuits on 24 January, and concludes on Sunday with the mixed relay.

“I am glad to be in Belarus again. Raubichi traditionally has a special atmosphere thanks to the local fans. This support is very important for the athletes; during the period of suspension from international events, they have maintained their pace and demonstrated that biathlon is alive and well in our countries, with a future ahead of it,” Viktor Maigurov, President of the Russian Biathlon Union, said. “I hope we will soon be back on the global stage, fully prepared to uphold our countries’ honor. I’m sure these races will captivate everyone, and we will relish the battle on the ski tracks.”

Retail points and activity zones are available for fans at Raubichi. Also on display is an exhibition of snow and ice sculptures.Photos by Vitaly Pivovarchik