The membership of biathlon’s world governing body will decide the hosts of the 2020 and 2021 editions of their flagship event, with four resorts in the running for each competition.

Nové Město na Moravě in the Czech Republic, Oberhof in Germany, the Italian resort of Antholz and Pokljuka in Slovenia are battling for the right to stage the event in four years’ time.

The Czech town, Antholz and Pokljuka have also put themselves forward the 2021 World Championships, with Tyumen in Russia the other region in contention.

Oberhof was originally a candidate for both events before withdrawing from the race for the 2021 event.

The venue has been removed from contention by the German Ski Federation after the country was awarded the 2021 Nordic Ski World Championships by the International Ski Federation.

These will be held in Oberstdorf, with Germany deciding not to hold two major events in the same year.

Another key issue due to be discussed at the IBU’s 12th Regular Congress is proposed alterations to the voting procedure concerning elections within the governing body.

The potential changes, which involve introducing a second and third ballot, have been presented by Legal Committee chair Günther Riess.

A draw option for the two top candidates that do not receive a simple majority in the first round is set to be introduced pending ratification from the Congress.

Should the amendments to the regulations be approved, they will come into effect immediately, the IBU has confirmed.

"I am convinced that the upcoming Congress will provide us with an excellent opportunity to hold open discussions and consequently make the right, vital decisions," IBU President Anders Besseberg said.

"These decisions will equip everyone involved in our sport with the tools necessary to tackle the challenges in front of us.”

The Congress opened with a welcome dinner last night, hosted by the Moldovan Biathlon Federation and attended by a number of special guests, including Barcelona 1992 Olympic gold medal winning weightlifter Tudor Casapu.