The IBU will benefit greatly from the ITA’s world-leading expertise in anti-doping. The precise anti-doping services that the ITA will provide will be announced in the coming weeks. IBU President Olle Dahlin said: “Our partnership with the ITA is the latest demonstration of our commitment to delivering robust and independent anti-doping programmes that will ensure clean biathlon. Protecting clean athletes and providing a level playing field is a key priority for the IBU. Partnering with the ITA will allow us to do that and ensure that our athletes, fans and stakeholders can have complete trust in the integrity of our competitions.” ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen added: “We are greatly looking forward to working with the IBU to support them on the delivery of their anti-doping programme. Under President Dahlin’s leadership, the federation has shown an excellent commitment to clean sport and we are proud to be able to contribute to this important mission.” The IBU’s partnership with the ITA is the latest positive step taken by the federation to enhance its anti-doping programme. In May, the IBU commissioned an external audit of the IBU’s Anti-Doping Programme by the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organizations (iNADO). The audit concluded the Anti-Doping Programme was of good quality but provided recommendations for operational improvements which the IBU has already begun addressing. Earlier this week, the IBU also announced the appointment of an independent External Review Commission, chaired by leading-English lawyer Jonathan Taylor QC. The Commission will conduct a full investigation into all anti-doping, compliance, ethical and disciplinary matters as well as any matters arising from the ongoing investigation by WADA and various national and international criminal authorities.