Munich biathlon show departure from tradition

Article posted by Coliseum, February 3^rd, 2025

Image: Biathlon World and International Biathlon Union

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has unveiled the Loop One Festival (a two-day event that marks the start of the biathlon season), an innovative two-day event set to redefine the biathlon (a Winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting) season opening.

‘biathlonworld.com’ stated that for the first time ever the biathlon season will open in an urban setting with the iconic Munich Olympic Park in Munich (Germany) hosting the inaugural Loop One Festival from October 18^th-19^th, 2025. The event will blend high-performance sport with a vibrant festival atmosphere to captivate both avid fans and newcomers to the sport.

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is the international governing body of biathlon. Its headquarters were in Salzburg, Austria until May 2020 when the federation moved to Anif on the outskirts of the City of Salzburg.

The 63,118-capacity Munich Olympic Park in Munich, Germany, is an Olympic Park which was constructed for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Located in the Oberwiesenfeld neighborhood of Munich the Park continues to serve as a venue for cultural, social and religious events such as events of worship.

‘biathlonworld.com’ further stated that on October 18th thousands of fans will be able to enjoy thrilling head-to-head roller ski races in para biathlon and youth competitions and try the sport for themselves. On October 19^th 60 of the world’s best biathletes per gender will compete on roller skis in a Super Sprint format showcasing elite biathlon in a way never seen before. The four qualifying heats will lead to what is set to be an unforgettable final.

As well as enjoying world-class biathlon in an iconic Summer venue the fans will have opportunities to engage in family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. The festival zone will provide culinary and cultural offers for families and engaging activities and experiences designed to attract the urban audiences and provide opportunities for the kids and the adults alike to try biathlon under the IBU’s Biathlon 4 All Program (a project by the International Biathlon Union to encourage the young people to participate in biathlon. The program aims to provide safe and sustainable equipment, training and community engagement tools).

Underscored Max Cobb, IBU Secretary General, “The Loop One Festival represents a groundbreaking step forward for biathlon. By bringing our sport into an iconic urban setting like Munich’s Olympic Park we’re not just celebrating the start of the new season – we’re reimagining how we connect with the fans, especially the young people. This event is designed to showcase biathlon’s excitement and accessibility in a festive environment open to everyone.”

Shared Daniel Böhm, IBU Sport and Events Director, “We see this event as a prelude to the Winter season and a fresh perspective on the Summer biathlon – one that embraces urban settings, enhanced accessibility and a festival-like atmosphere. By departing from the traditional formats and venues the IBU is paving the way to make biathlon more accessible and enjoyable for the children and the young people worldwide. By bringing biathlon out of the mountains and into the heart of the City we hope to spark the passion for biathlon with the next generation of fans and athletes.”

Access to the festival area and the course around the Olympic Lake will be for free whilst several thousand tickets will be sold for the grandstand facing the shooting range on the lake in the Olympic Park. Ticketing is scheduled to start in March 2025.

Observed Olle Dahlin, IBU President, “The Loop One Festival marks a significant milestone in our efforts to innovate our future and expand biathlon’s reach as mandated in our Strategic Plan Target 2030. By embracing an urban landscape and highlighting sustainability through inclusive and accessible initiatives we are demonstrating how our sport can connect with the diverse audiences. This event embodies the IBU’s vision of fostering unity and excitement while promoting the spirit of competition in ways that resonate with today’s world.”

Stated Jiri Hamza, IBU Vice-President, “The Loop One Festival represents a golden opportunity to redefine how we position biathlon and especially Summer biathlon for the future. The dynamic blend of elite competition and urban engagement offers unparalleled potential to attract new fans and partners. It is also a look-ahead showcasing how the Summer events could play a pivotal role in the sport’s evolution and appeal.”

The Biathlon Strategic Plan Target 2030 is a comprehensive roadmap set by the International Biathlon Union (IBU) to guide the future development of the sport focusing on expanding global participation, promoting sustainability and fostering athlete development with a primary goal of achieving significant growth in biathlon by the year 2030.

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