The 20 km individual Race is the oldest competition discipline in Biathlon. The competitors, who start at 30 sec or at 1 min. intervals, have to master a total height difference between 600-750 meters over the 20 km course carrying their small bore calibre rifle (appox. 3.5 kg) and ammunition (20 rounds). The course compromises five sections of lengths, some of which must be covered more than once. The competitor must complete 4 firing sessions each of 5 rounds in the sequence prone/standing- prone/standing with no support for the rifle.
These individual firing sessions must take place between km 3 and 17.5 with at least 3 km between them. The competitor can choose his own firing lane. He fires over a distance of 50 m at electronic target. If he hits the black target it is covered by a white disc. The target diameter is 45 mm in the prone position and 115 mm in the standing position. In the 20 km individual race the competitor is penalized white one minute for each missed target.
