
Germany is a must-see on the biathlon calendar. We used to see the stars there in Oberhof and Ruhpolding, on the World Cup circuit, or in Gelsenkirchen, host of the Biathlon Auf Schalke during the Christmas holidays. We will soon see them in Munich too. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has presented its new project aimed at launch the season in an urban and festive setting : the Loop One Festival, an event that will take place for the first time October 18-19, 2025 in Munich's Olympic Park. The weekend will offer a summary of everything that makes biathlon a success, with fervor and spectacle. On Saturday, the public will be able to taming discipline through initiations and roller ski races between young athletes and para-biathletes. On Sunday, the stars will take over with a Super Sprint pitting 60 of the world's best biathletes against each other.
"By moving away from traditional formats and venues, the IBU is paving the way for a biathlon more accessible and more attractive for children and young people around the world, explains Daniel Böhm, IBU Director of Sport and Events. En bringing biathlon out of the mountains and into the heart of the city, we hope to spark a passion for biathlon among the next generation of fans and athletes.” Conceived in a similar way, the Martin Fourcade Nordic Festival has met with great success in recent years in France. “The Loop One Festival represents a golden opportunity to redefine how we position biathlon, and specifically summer biathlon, for the future., insists IBU Vice President Jiri Hamza. The dynamic mix of elite competition and urban engagement delivers unmatched potential to attract new fans and partners. »