BIATHLON: In the first Biathlon World Cup Individual race for 2013/14 at Oestersund (SWE) overnight, Alex Almoukov finished 56th out of 103 finishers.

In what he called a "tough but satisfying race," Alex Almoukov finished 56th out of 103 finishers at the Oestersund (SWE) World Cup.

It was Almoukov's first Biathlon World Cup Individual race for 2013/14.

He posted on Twitter: "Not a bad start to the WC (World Cup) season. Let's hope I get quicker on the skis as the season goes on!"

The 20km race was easily won by 2012/13 season star Martin Fourcade (FRA), who shot clean. Austrians Simon Eder and Daniel Mesotitsch, with one penalty each, rounded out the podium.

Almoukov's time was 57:43.3, +7:32.4 behind Fourcade and with 3 penalties.

This equates to an 11.7% behind result which is Alex's second Qualifying time in 2013/14 for Sochi 2014.

It also allows renewal for Trimester 2 of his World Cup Wildcard.

At another race in Sweden, Dyllan Harmer also reached the Olympic Qualifying time.

Contesting Sunday's IBU Cup 1 Sprint (the second tier of competition) race at Idre, Harmer finished 93rd out of 131 finishers with only one penalty.

Harmer was 14.6% behind which is within the 20% behind Sochi Qualifying time. Finishing within 15% also means that Harmer has  a World Cup Qualifying time (the top tier of competition). However, Australia does not have the right to start more athletes at a World Cup - the right to start in 2013/14 is based on the results of 2012/13 season. The only current World Cup participant is Almoukov, whose Wildcard participation may be renewed on a Trimester by Trimester basis, if he finishes within 15%.

Lucy Glanville also contested the IBU Cup 2 in Beitostolen, Norway. Glanville finished 87th out of 89 finishers in the 7.5km sprint and 84th out of 85 finishers in the 15km individual.

Note that Alex Almoukov will be on SBS News tonight (Friday)!