On 16 June 2018, at the Historical and Cultural Complex “Stalin Line”, with the support of Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Belarus, the latest stage of one of the most spectacular competitions was held — Tank Biathlon Belarus 2018.
This time, it was held in an unusual format. Instead of the familiar 40-tonne tanks, 14-tonne BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles took part in the competition.
Alexander Metla, Executive Director of the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex, described how the competition unfolded:
Four crews took part in the BMP-1 Tank Biathlon show, competing in military vehicle handling, speed over the course, obstacle negotiation, and firing the main and secondary armament. The competition also included embarking and disembarking troops to carry out a combat mission to capture an enemy fortified position. This required close coordination not only within the BMP crew, but also with the dismounted infantry section.
This time, the military vehicles did not crush any cars — they were not heavy enough — but their speeds and manoeuvres were truly extraordinary. The competition began with a demonstration run by the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex’s BMD-1 crew, commanded by Alexander Metla.
The spectators were thrilled by the breakneck speeds, jumps, gunfire and roar of the 14-tonne vehicles’ engines!
Before the competition show, spectators were treated to a short reenactment entitled “Tank Battle of 1941”
The prizes were awarded as follows:
1st place:
Vehicle commander: Junior Sergeant Vladislav Kupreichik
Gunner-operator: Junior Sergeant Evgeny Rubtsov
Driver-mechanic: Corporal Vladislav Dyrov
2nd place:
Vehicle commander: Corporal Sergei Savoshke
Gunner-operator: Private Pavel Poleshchuk
Driver-mechanic: Private Igor Savostyanov
3rd place:
Vehicle commander: Junior Sergeant Alexander Kushnerenko
Gunner-operator: Private Yuri Stepuro
Driver-mechanic: Private Alexei Ignatenkho
Panel of judges:
Senior Lieutenant Dmitry Avdeev
Major Maxim Korenkov
Lieutenant Colonel Maxim Terentyev
Lieutenant Colonel Dmitry Burdukevich
As always, visitors could enjoy several interactive activities, including a history quiz, airgun shooting, Ready for Labour and Defence (GTO) fitness tests, weapon assembly and disassembly, and other workshops. 
A children’s room was available for younger visitors, while Motya the Clown entertained them with an interactive bubble show and a range of outdoor activities!
Photo: Vitaly Dorosh
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