Yesterday, the Norwegian government had a meeting where it was decided that all competitions in March 2021 will be canceled.

Thus, there will be no biathlon competitions in Holmenkollen 18-21 March.

The Swedish Biathlon Federation would like to see the competitions moved to Östersund.

- We have been ready ever since we lost the competitions last autumn if the opportunity arose.

The work has been intensified in recent days if it becomes relevant.

It would have been fantastic fun if that opportunity came, says Rikard Grip, general secretary of the association, to SVT Sport.

Needs government approval

For the International Biathlon Federation, IBU, it is important that the countries that want to arrange have written documentation from the government, so as not to end up in the same situation again.

- We have to have promises at that level.

These are far too big and important decisions to just go on that someone says they want to arrange.

There are many who want to - but many who cannot, says IBU's chairman Olle Dahlin.

According to Rikard Grip, Sweden has been given the green light.

- At present, we have the conditions needed to be able to carry out an event in Östersund, absolutely.

We have had a dialogue with stakeholders, and that is with the authorities, and we simply have those opportunities based on that.

How big is the risk that the conditions will change?

- You have to be extremely humble in the face of, during the social situation we are in. As I said, we view the situation positively right now and should the question come, we are ready, says Grip.

"Evaluating several options"

At present, it is permitted for professional athletes to travel into Sweden to compete.

What is required is a negative covid-19 test, done within the last 48 hours.

The Swedish union has an ongoing dialogue with the IBU, but has not received any official request.

Olle Dahlin confirms that they want to present a new organizer during the current World Cup.

Is Östersund an alternative?

- We are currently evaluating several alternatives.

So I do not want to speculate at all in what there are alternatives, and what is most relevant, says Dahlin.

MORE SKIER: See when Ponsiluoma takes World Cup gold

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See when Martin Ponsiluoma takes World Cup gold in the biathlon sprint