Events

IBU to stage ‘groundbreaking’ event at Munich Olympic Park

Featured image credit: International Biathlon Union

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has announced plans for a new event in Munich, with the meeting to mark the first time the organisation has opened its season in an urban setting.

The two-day Loop One Festival will take place at the Munich Olympic Park on October 18-19. The IBU said the event will blend “high-performance sport with a vibrant festival atmosphere” to appeal to existing fans and newcomers.

On October 18, fans will be able to sample head-to-head roller ski races in para biathlon and youth competitions, and try the sport for themselves. The following day, 120 professional biathletes will compete on roller skis in a super sprint format to showcase the sport in a new way.

The second day of the event will feature four qualifying heats and a final. Family-friendly activities will also take place over the course of the weekend, with a festival zone to provide culinary and cultural experiences.

Access to the festival area and the course around the Olympic Lake will be free, with several thousand tickets to be sold for the grandstand area facing the shooting range on the lake.

Max Cobb, secretary general of the IBU, said: “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 fans, especially young people. This event is designed to showcase biathlon’s excitement and accessibility, in a festive environment open to everyone.”

Daniel Böhm, the IBU’s sport and events director, added: “We see this event as a prelude to the winter season and a fresh perspective on summer biathlon – one that embraces urban settings, enhanced accessibility, and a festival-like atmosphere.

“By departing from traditional formats and venues, the IBU is paving the way to make biathlon more accessible and enjoyable for children and 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.”