The IBU Executive Board has moved the events planned for the Swedish and French venues, which had been due to take place in the November to December period, to Kontiolahti in Finland and Hochfilzen to limit the amount of travel for athletes and other participants.

Kontiolahti and Hochfilzen will now host back-to-back World Cups before the end of the year.

The Finnish resort is scheduled to stage competitions running from November 27 to 29 and November 30 to December 6, before the series heads to Hochfilzen.

Athletes are set to compete at the Austrian venue, host of the 2017 World Championships, from December 7 to 13 and from December 14 to 20.

Changes to the World Cup schedule had been expected owing to travel restrictions and other measures imposed across the world in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The IBU Executive Board has also decided to guarantee financial support for its event organisers, including those who are holding additional events under the new programme and those who are not hosting a World Cup any longer as a result of the calendar alteration.

"Biathlon, like all sports, is facing challenges we have never faced before," said IBU President Olle Dahlin. 

"While disappointing, we have to accept that changes to our original plans are absolutely necessary. 

"But by working together with all biathlon stakeholders, we have been able to find solutions that prioritise the health of our biathlon family and at the same time maximise the number of events that can take place. 

"We believe that the plan we have developed has achieved that. 

"We have kept the same number of World Cup events for the first trimester and ensured that all levels of biathlon will be served with international competitions next season.

"There is a lot for our athletes and fans to look forward to.

"We will continue to follow expert medical guidance and implement carefully considered safety measures at all our events. 

"We remain flexible to changes but we are greatly looking forward to the new season beginning."