BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup Ruhpolding

The BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup returns to Ruhpolding, Germany, from 14-18 January 2026, bringing five days of elite racing to one of the sport's most iconic venues.

• Location: Ruhpolding, Bavaria, Germany
• Dates: 14-18 January 2026
• Series: BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2025-26
• Venue: Chiemgau Arena, Bavarian Alps
• Streaming: Live and on demand, free on Eurovision Sport (subject to broadcasting restrictions)

Biathlon World Cup Schedule: Ruhpolding

Ruhpolding traditionally hosts a full programme of individual races and relays, testing both endurance and shooting accuracy. All times are listed in local time (CET) and may be subject to change.

Why Ruhpolding Is a Key Stop on the Biathlon World Cup Circuit

Chiemgau Arena in Ruhpolding is the established host stadium for the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup, located in the Bavarian Alps and known for its strong biathlon tradition and lively fan atmosphere. It sits around 713 metres above sea level.

The venue's international prestige is underlined by its history in major championships: the municipality of Ruhpolding has hosted the Biathlon World Championships in 1979, 1985, 1996 and 2012, establishing it as a repeat host at the pinnacle of the sport.

Unlike venues with extremely steep climbs, Ruhpolding's course is often described as technically demanding rather than simply mountainous, with a series of rolling hills and changing terrain that tests pacing strategy. Sharp shooting range approaches after fast skiing sections make for exciting races, and the tracks frequently produce close finishes and tactical battles.

IBU Biathlon World Cup 2025: Oberhof

The IBU Biathlon World Cup returned to Oberhof, Germany from 8-11 January 2026, delivering four days of intense racing in sprint, pursuit, and relay events. Decisive performances reshaped the overall standings, with new yellow bib holders emerging on the men's side and the women's race tightening significantly.

Men's World Cup Highlights: Giacomel Takes Control

Italy's Tommaso Giacomel was the standout athlete of the Oberhof weekend, producing a defining double that propelled him to the top of the standings. Norway's Johan-Olav Botn did not race in Oberhof, opting to sit out the World Cup stop, and now sits second in the overall standings behind Tommaso Giacomel.

• Sprint: Giacomel won the men's 10 km sprint, combining strong ski speed with controlled shooting to take an emotional victory.
• Pursuit: Despite multiple shooting penalties, Giacomel backed it up with another win in the 12.5 km pursuit.
• Relay: Norway claimed the men's relay, edging France and Sweden in a three-way sprint finish.

Following Oberhof, Tommaso Giacomel moved into the overall World Cup lead and will wear the yellow bib heading into the next stop.

Women's World Cup Highlights: Öberg Dominates, Jeanmonnot Holds Yellow

The women's races were defined by Elvira Öberg's authority at the front and continued consistency from the overall leader.

• Sprint: Sweden's Elvira Öberg delivered a commanding win in the 7.5 km sprint with clean shooting and dominant skiing.
• Pursuit: Öberg completed a sprint-pursuit double, controlling the race from start to finish to secure her second victory of the week.
• Relay: France dominated the women's relay, with Norway second and Germany third in front of home fans.

Despite Öberg's double victory, Lou Jeanmonnot (FRA) did enough across individual and relay races to retain the women's yellow bib, keeping her lead in the overall standings as the season heads into its next phase.

Oberhof's Impact on the World Cup Standings

Oberhof proved pivotal in the 2025/26 World Cup season narrative. On the men's side, Tommaso Giacomel left Oberhof wearing the yellow bib after his sprint-pursuit double reshaped the overall title race. In the women's standings, Lou Jeanmonnot retained the yellow bib, but her advantage narrowed. With margins tightening, the battle for the World Cup lead is now finely balanced heading into the next stop.

Watch Live Biathlon with Eurovision Sport

Eurovision Sport makes it easy to catch up on every IBU Biathlon World Cup stop, with free on-demand coverage of races throughout the 2025/26 season (subject to broadcast restrictions). Whether you missed a single race or an entire weekend, full replays are available so you can follow the action whenever it suits you.