Maksim Varabei. An archive photo
MINSK, 18 January (BelTA) – Belarusian biathlete Maksim Varabei has secured second place in the men’s 15 km mass start at the third stage of the 2026 Russian Biathlon Championships in Demino, Yaroslavl Oblast, BelTA has learned.
Sixty biathletes, including seven from Belarus, competed in the event. After two shooting stages, Maksim Varabei was outside the top ten with one penalty. However, the Belarusian shot cleanly in both remaining positions and surged to a second-place finish. The race was won sensationally by Russia’s Yaroslav Konkin, who finished seven seconds ahead of Maksim Varabei to claim his first-ever victory at this level. Third place went to Said Karimulla Khalili.
Following the third shooting, Belarus’ Stsiapan Danilau held the lead but incurred one penalty on the final shooting stage, ultimately finishing seventh. Other Belarusian finishers included Mikita Labastau in 18th, Pavel Belko in 27th, Aleksandr Golyak in 55th, Vitaly Kazachenok in 56th, and Andrei Gavrosh in 59th.
The women’s mass start, which features five Belarusian athletes, begins at 2:00 PM.
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