More incentive, more excitement: New prize money scale for the biathlon at Schalke

On Saturday, December 28th, the best biathletes will be competing again in Schalke. Fans can once again look forward to exciting duels on the snow in the VELTINS Arena. In addition to the frenetic cheers of the fans, the teams also have attractive prize money at stake. A new regulation now applies to the award process, which will ensure even more excitement on the cross-country ski trail.

So far, the mass start race has been used primarily to determine the starting positions and time intervals for the pursuit race. The prize money was distributed solely based on the results of the pursuit race. From 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 biathletes to perform at their best 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 does so benefits from the monetary reward.” Another advantage: the competition management can make the time intervals in the pursuit race more flexible, as the best placed are already rewarded with the prize money. “This promises even more exciting and close pursuit races.”

Overall, the prize money distribution is 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.

In the end, the winning team of the pursuit race still gets first place on the podium and the coveted trophy. However, if the same duo finishes first in the mass start, they will receive 36,000 euros. Previously, the maximum amount was 28,000 euros for first placement. Once again, the award ceremony concludes with a spectacular indoor fireworks display, which delights spectators year after year.