On Saturday, December 28, the best biathletes will once again be competing in Schalke. Fans can once again look forward to thrilling duels on the snow in the VELTINS Arena. In addition to the frenetic cheering of the fans, the teams will also be competing for attractive prize money. A new rule now applies to the awarding of the prizes, which will ensure even more excitement on the track.
Until now, the mass start race was mainly used to determine the starting positions and time gaps for the pursuit race. The prize money was distributed exclusively on the basis of the results in the pursuit race. This year, however, there will be a fundamental change: for the first time, there will also be an award for the mass start race. From now on, the prize money will be awarded in a ratio of one third for the mass start and two thirds for the pursuit race.
"With this innovation, we are increasing the incentive for the biathletes to give their best performance in both disciplines," explains Thorsten Kramer, Head of Events at FC Schalke 04. "It is only fair that an athlete who wins the mass start race also benefits from the monetary reward." Another advantage: the competition organizers can make the time intervals in the pursuit race more flexible, as the top finishers are already rewarded with the prize money. "This promises even more exciting and closer pursuit races."
Overall, the prize money distribution is therefore even more performance-oriented and rewards both good shooting performances and fast sprints in both races. "This could tempt some teams to take more risks when shooting or to attempt spectacular overtaking maneuvers," emphasizes Kramer.
The first place on the podium and the coveted trophy will still go to the winning team in the pursuit race. However, if the same duo also finishes first in the mass start, they will receive 36,000 euros. Previously, the maximum amount was 28,000 euros for finishing first. The award ceremony will once again conclude with a spectacular indoor fireworks display, which thrills spectators year after year.
