The second edition of the International Club Biathlon League Cup is currently underway in Khanty-Mansiysk, featuring a revamped format that emphasizes team competition. This year, 15 teams are participating, and the event has introduced a mixed relay to replace the traditional pursuit race, aiming to enhance spectator engagement and athlete excitement. The mass start remains the opening discipline, with distances shortened to 12.5 km for men and 10 km for women.
In the men's mass start, Karim Khalili of BC Profinski emerged victorious after a strategic finish with teammate Daniil Serokhvostov, who allowed Khalili to cross the finish line first following a playful 'rock, paper, scissors' decision. This collaboration led BC Profinski to take the lead in the team standings with 78 points, ahead of Belorussky Neftyanik with 66 points.
The women's race saw Victoria Slivko clinch victory in a tightly contested finish against Anastasia Shevchenko, with only 1.4 seconds separating them. Slivko's tactical prowess and speed on the final lap secured her win, while her teammate, Anastasia Khalili, finished third. BC Profinski solidified its dominance in the women's standings with a total of 154 points, leading the competition ahead of Belorussky Neftyanik and the Golden Lynx club.
The event is set to conclude with a mixed relay on Sunday, where the overall champions will be determined.
