Olympic biathlon track to be built in Bakuriani

One of Georgia’s forgotten sport’s is being brought back to life in the country’s winter wonderland resort town Bakuriani.

A new, modern biathlon track will be built in Bakuriani on the territory of Iagora valley. This will be the first time in about 30 years that the country has enjoyed a proper biathlon track.

Biathlon – a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting - was a popular sport in Soviet times. Now, with the introduction of the new biathlon track, enthusiasts will be able to rekindle their love for the sport.

The new track will meet modern Olympic standards and be a potential host venue for a variety of international competitions. Construction of the track is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Georgia’s Mountain Resorts Development Company has already asked a French company to design Bakuriani’s new biathlon track. The French company, which has not been publically named, was responsible for creating different projects for more than 100 resorts in the European Alps.

Mountain Resorts Development Company director Aleksandre Onoprishvili told local online news agency Commersant that this was a "large infrastructural project” that would bring many benefits to the country.

"Nowadays, there is no similar track in Bakuraini. Though, about 30 years ago, during Soviet Union time, there was biathlon track and it was very popular. We want to restore this tradition and want to see other national teams to practice here [in Bakuriani],” Onoprishvili said.

As well as the biathlon track, additional facilities will also be established in the nearby area, including a rifle-range and a stadium for spectators.

Georgia’s Ministry of Economy will allocate money towards the project.

Bakuriani is a winter resort destination enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The mountain village is extremely popular in winter, where revelers flock to enjoy the various slopes on offer.

Click here to see more of Bakuriani and all its beauty In Pictures.