MOSCOW, September 18 – The coaching council of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) adopted the draft criteria for forming national team groups for centralized training, said the organization’s vice-president Pavel Rostovtsev.

On Monday, the first ever coaching council was held in Tyumen, at which the draft criteria were adopted.

“The first eight are the best Russian according to the results of performances and the rating of the Russian Cup, three people – according to the RBU rating, three people – based on the results of performance at the main competitions of the season (Winter Spartakiad in Zlatoust and the Russian Championship in Olympic disciplines in Tyumen), as well as the best junior. Eight more people – by coaching decision, whose candidacies should be considered by the executive committee of the RBU coaching council based on the dynamics of sports results, comprehensive testing and determining the potential capabilities of the body,” the functionary added.

Rostovtsev noted that all candidates must have medical clearance from the FMBA.