IOC ignored as Russia gets 2021 World Biathlon Champs

Omnisports

September 4, 2016 1:19 AM

The IOC called on winter sports federations to "freeze preparations for major events in Russia" in July, but the IBU has not taken heed.

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The 2021 World Biathlon Championships will take place in Tyumen, Russia, going against a request from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Tyumen's bid was voted for ahead of those of Nove Mesto na Morave in the Czech Republic and Slovenia's Pokljuka at the International Biathlon Union (IBU) congress on Sunday.

The awarding of the event to the Russian city does not comply with a recommendation from the IOC issued in July following the publication of the McLaren Report.

The independent report, commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, found evidence of a state-sponsored doping regime in effect when Russia hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

A statement issued by the IOC asked "all International Olympic winter sports federations to freeze their preparations for major events in Russia" and "to actively look for alternative organisers".

However, that provision has not stopped the IBU allowing the World Championships to head to Russia in five years.

Evgeniy Garanichev, who took bronze in the men's 20 kilometre individual biathlon at Sochi 2014, was pleased with the result of the ballot.

"I am very happy and proud that World Championships 2021 will take place in Tyumen. This will be a great biathlon festival for many fans of our sport in Russia," he said.

Omnisports

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