The Soviet Union won the gold medal...

The Soviet Union won the gold medal in the 20-kilometer team event at the World Biathlon Championships at Feistritz, Austria, with a time of 59 minutes 36.9 seconds, beating West Germany by 7.3 seconds.

East Germany was third at 1:27.1, ahead of Italy, Finland and Sweden. Norway, which failed to make the top 10, was hurt by the absences of Eirik Kvalfoss, who did not enter, and Gisle Fenne, who was ill.