It was in Lillehammer in 1996 when the International Biathlon Union (IBU) attempted a new racing format: the Pursuit. The men's race ended in a four-way sprint finish for the victory--perhaps the most thrilling finish in the history of the sport to that time. Eurovision executives ink a four-year TV-rights deal with the International Biathlon Union.  The modern biathlon world cup was born.

That popularity brought with it money, and with money brought corruption. A recent report exposed that the former IBU President, Anders Besseberg "accepted gifts from Russians — including cash, hunting trips and the services of prostitutes — and then publicly defended the country, its athletes and its interests."

Our guest, IBU Executive Board Member, Max Cobb, talks about that game-changing race in Lillehammer, the current state of corruption and doping in international sport, and a preview of the 2021 Biathlon World Championships in Pokljuka, Slovenia.

The full New York Times Anders Besseberg disclosure: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/28/us/biathlon-report-russia-besseberg.html

Hajo Seppelt, ARD German TV investigative journalist: https://vimeo.com/249176658?fbclid=IwAR3iNwecCpRnBqAD5N0EYxC_SW7HTtPjlzkwsgEkjM3AiWPaQ9keiJB-X5Q

Hosted by Chad Salmela

Guest Max Cobb

Produced by Chris Parr

Music by Taavesi