The 2015 EYOF is set to take place from January 25 to 30 next year in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and Lichtenstein.

A suitable shooting facility could not be found which initially led organisers to base the event in the town of Seefold in the neighbouring Austrian state of Tyrol.

However, an agreement has been reached between EYOF 2015 organisers and the local Municipal Council to stage the event in Bürserberg on the condition that the facility will be constructed under eco-friendly guidelines primarily due to the location of some rare flora and fauna on the Tschengla Mountain.

"We are very happy that we have now found a Vorarlberg solution but of course, we would like to thank Seefeld for stepping in to be host location," said EYOF 2015 chief executive Philipp Groborsch.

"The Tschengla-area is a high moor with rare plants which needs to be protected."

Groborsch added that organisers will now apply for a Green Events Licence, which is mandatory under Austrian law, to go ahead with the construction which will see a temporary biathlon complex erected for the five days of competition and then dismantled.

The final confirmation for the planned construction is expected to come from the European Olympic Committee by the end of this month.

"We are very happy to be a part of EYOF 2015 and to welcome Europe's best junior biathletes to Bürserberg," said the district's Mayor, Fridolin Plaickner, who was joined at the announcement by Vorarlberg's Minister for Sport Bernadette Mennel.

"It was my personal desire to be in a position to offer the sportsmen a stage in Vorarlberg."

From left to right: Bürserberg Mayor Fridolin Plaickner, Vorarlberg's Minister for Sport Bernadette Mennel and EYOF 2015 chief executive Philipp Groborsch ©EOC



International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup race director Franz Berger carried out an inspection of the Tschengla-High Plateau, which is located at an altitude of 1,200 metres and was happy to give the green light to the proposal.

"An extensive net of cross-country ski-runs already exists and there is enough space to install a shooting range," said Berger.

"We will ensure the construction of some shorter rises and downhills into the cross-country course.

"We will determine further details during the next site visit in August or September."

The EYOF is held every two years and provides an opportunity for young athletes aged between 14 and 18 to take part in multi-sport competition.

Participants from 49 countries are due compete across eight sporting disciplines at next year's event in Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein which has the motto "Rock the Alps" and will follow on from the 2013 edition in Brasov, Romania.

The 2015 Summer EYOF is due to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia.

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