The 2025 Biathlon season kicks off in spectacular style with the Biathlon Loop One Festival, held in Munich's iconic Olympiapark from 18-19 October 2025.
This brand-new festival blends elite sport, live entertainment, and fan-friendly access for an unforgettable start to the winter season.
All event times are listed in local Munich time (CEST) and are subject to change.
| Sunday, 19 Oct 2025 (Local Times) | Event |
|---|---|
| 10:00 - 11:00 | Course preparation and warm-up |
| 11:00 -12:00 | Qualification Races - Men (Super Sprint) |
| 12:00 -13:00 | Qualification Races - Women (Super Sprint) |
| 15:30 | Super Sprint Final - Men |
| 16:15 | Super Sprint Final - Women |
The Loop One Festival marks a bold new chapter for biathlon. Designed as a dynamic, fan-first season opener, the event brings the sport out of its traditional winter mountain setting and into the heart of a major European city.
Created by the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in collaboration with local organisers in Munich, the festival aims to make biathlon more accessible, urban, and interactive, blending world-class sport with a true festival atmosphere.
This new format not only celebrates the start of the biathlon season but also sets a blueprint for how the sport can connect with urban audiences - merging competition, entertainment, and accessibility like never before.
The Super Sprint is biathlon at its fastest and most thrilling. With short loops, rapid-fire shooting, and constant position changes, it's built for excitement and city crowds.
This compact race format delivers all the intensity of biathlon - perfect for the fast-paced energy of the Loop One Festival.
The first event of the new biathlon season brings together world-class talent from across Europe. Expect Olympic legends, rising stars, and fan favourites all aiming to make an early impact on the 2025 campaign.
Fresh off her gold medal in the 10 km pursuit and silver in the sprint at the 2025 World Championships in Lenzerheide, Franziska Preuss arrives in Munich as one of the top contenders. Her clean 20/20 shooting and strong finishing speed make her one of Germany's most dependable biathletes.
One of Germany's most exciting young prospects, Selina Grotian is coming off an impressive first World Cup podium in 2024 and won four gold medals at the Junior World Championships (2023). Her composure on the range and rapid progress on skis mark her as one to watch in the Super Sprint format.
Jeanmonnot finished fourth in the pursuit at the 2025 World Championships, narrowly missing the podium after leading much of the race. With four gold world championship medals, she continues to anchor France's powerful women's team.
The 2023/24 World Cup Overall Champion, Vittozzi remains one of the most accurate shooters on the circuit, regularly posting over 90% hit rates. Her experience and composure make her a consistent threat across all formats.
A steady presence in the German lineup, Hettich-Walz earned World Championship silver in the 2021 relay and continues to deliver strong performances in team events.
Her precision and consistency make her a valuable asset for Germany's relay squads and shorter formats like the Super Sprint.
A seven-time World Champion and world champion of the men's sprint in 2024, he remains one of the sport's most accurate marksmen and a perennial favourite for podium finishes.
A sharpshooting specialist, Justus Strelow achieved second place in the Östersund Individual (2023/24) (his first World Cup podium) and remains one of the most accurate shooters on tour. His reliability makes him a crucial part of Germany's relay strategy.
Wright delivered a breakout performance at the 2025 World Championships, winning silver in the men's 10 km sprint, just behind Johannes Thingnes Bø.
A symbol of sport and culture, Olympiapark Munich was built for the 1972 Olympic Games and has since hosted decades of international events, from athletics to motorsport and major concerts. Its scenic layout and open design make it the perfect backdrop for the Loop One Festival.
Catch every moment of the Biathlon Loop One Festival and follow the world's top biathlon action all winter long; live and free on Eurovision Sport.
Stream live races, replays, and highlights anytime on Eurovision Sport.