Biathlon: season kicks off on 18 and 19 October in Munich’s Olympic Park
Several weeks ago, an indiscretion set the biathlon world alight. It was reported that the IBU was planning to kick off the 2025/2026 season with an urban show in Munich (Germany) on 19 October.
This was confirmed at a press conference in Ruhpolding (Germany) on Wednesday lunchtime. The IBU announced that it was “delighted” to unveil the Loop One Festival.
“For the first time, the biathlon season will open in an urban setting, with Munich’s iconic Olympic Park hosting the inaugural Loop One Festival on 18 and 19 October 2025, said a statement. The event will combine top-level sport with a vibrant festival atmosphere to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers to the sport.”
A super sprint for the world’s top 60 biathletes
On Saturday 18 October, thousands of fans will be able to watch roller-ski races, para-biathlon competitions and youth events. They can also try their hand at biathlon.
“The following day, Sunday 19 October, 60 of the world’s best biathletes by gender will compete in a super sprint format that will showcase elite biathlon in a way that has never been seen before. Four qualifying heats will lead up to a final that promises to be unforgettable”, the IBU reveals.
“We see this event as a prelude to the winter season and as a new perspective on summer biathlon – one that embraces urban environments, improved accessibility and a festival atmosphere, explains Daniel Boehm, IBU Sports Director. By moving away from traditional formats and venues, the IBU is leading the way in making biathlon more accessible and enjoyable for children and young people around the world. By taking biathlon out of the mountains and into the heart of the city, we hope to ignite a passion for biathlon in the next generation of fans and athletes.”
Access to the festival area and the course around the Olympic lake will be free, while several thousand tickets will be sold for the stand facing the shooting range on the lake in the Olympic Park. Ticket sales are due to open in March.
