Infront Austria (formerly APF) is responsible for sponsoring rights of the IBU World Cup and World Championships in Biathlon up to and including the season 2009/2010
Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Though a seemingly unlikely combination - one an aerobic activity which requires strength, speed, and endurance; the other is a passive activity which requires concentration and a steady hand - this very old sport has its origins in an exercise for Norwegian soldiers. The first known competition took place in 1767 when border patrol companies competed against each other. Gradually the sport became more common throughout Scandinavia as an alternative training for the military.
This combination of skiing and shooting was demonstrated at the Olympic Winter Games in 1924, 1928, 1936 and 1948. The first World Championship in biathlon was held in 1958 in Austria, and in 1960 the sport was finally included in the Olympic Games. At Albertville in 1992, women were first allowed in Olympic biathlon.
The IBU World Cup Biathlon runs throughout the winter season and consists of a series races. Selection of the best Biathletes is based on the top rankings in the previous year’s World Cup Total Score. The World Championships are also held annually, except during the year of the winter Olympics. Biathlon is broadcast most regularly where the sport enjoys its greatest popularity, namely Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia.
Through Infront Austria, the group shares a close sponsor marketing cooperation with the International Biathlon Union IBU since the early 90’s. Thus, it is responsible for all tour- and event-sponsoring rights of the IBU relating to the IBU World Cup and World Championships Biathlon up to and including the season 2009/2010. In addition, Infront Austria has also acquired the respective rights of numerous national federations and organisers - resulting in Infront being able to offer sponsors highly efficient “one-stop” services around both the World Cup and World Championships, presenting Biathlon as an attractive uniform international communication platform.
