IBU World Cup 2026 Kontiolahti
The BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup heads to Finland for the Kontiolahti stage from 5-8 March 2026, as the 2025/2026 season enters a decisive phase. Set against a classic Nordic backdrop, Kontiolahti is known for fair but demanding tracks and one of the most respected shooting ranges on the circuit.
- Location: Kontiolahti, Finland
- Dates: 5-8 March 2026
- Series: BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup 2025/2026 season
- Venue: Kontiolahti Biathlon Stadium
- Events: Men's & Women's Individual, Mass Start & Relay
- Streaming: Live and free on Eurovision Sport
Kontiolahti Biathlon Schedule
All times listed below are local Finnish time (EET) and are subject to change.
| Date | Event & Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday 5 March | Women's 15km Individual - 18:05 |
| Friday 6 March | Men's 20km Individual - 18:10 |
| Saturday 7 March |
Women's 12.5km Mass Start - 14:40
Men's 4x7.5km Relay - 16:40
|
| Sunday 8 March |
Women's 4x6km Relay - 14:30
Men's 15km Mass Start - 17:55
|
Kiotiolahti Biathlon Stadium
Located in North Karelia in eastern Finland, the Kontiolahti Biathlon Stadium sits at approximately 120 metres above sea level.
Kontiolahti has a rich championship history. It has hosted:
- Biathlon World Championships in 1990, 1999 and 2015
- Multiple stages of the IBU Biathlon World Cup
- Junior World Championships in 1996, 2005, and 2012
Its reliable snow conditions and fair shooting range make it a consistent fixture on the World Cup calendar.
Recap: Nove Mesto Biathlon 2026
The final World Cup stop before Kontiolahti delivered high intensity racing in Nove Mesto na Morave, with strong crowds and tight margins shaping a pivotal week in the 2025/2026 season. As the overall standings begin to crystallise, several athletes strengthened their positions with statement victories in the Czech Republic.
Race Winners in Nove Mesto na Morave:
- Men's 15km Short Individual - Eric Perrot (FRA)
- Women's 12.5km Short Individual - Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (FRA)
- Men's Mass Start - Eric Perrot (FRA)
- Women's Mass Start - Julia Simon (FRA)
- Single Mixed Relay - Finland
- 4x6 Mixed Relay - Italy
What to Expect from the Kontiolahti Biathlon
Kontiolahti's programme of Individuals, Mass Starts and Relays puts precision and composure at the centre of the action. With the season entering a decisive phase, every shot and every lap carries major weight in the World Cup standings.
Expect:
- High stakes Individual races - Penalty loops for every miss mean clean shooting can outweigh raw ski speed
- Head to head Mass Start battles - The top 30 race together; final standing shoots often decide the podium
- Relay pressure moments - Three spare rounds per stage; anchors frequently defend narrow margins
Kontiolahti often produces unpredictable racing. Calm winds can suddenly shift across the range, and the rolling terrain rewards athletes who distribute their effort wisely rather than attacking too early.
Winter Olympic Biathlon
Athletes arriving from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will bring both confidence and fatigue into Kontiolahti; expect recent Olympic medallists to carry strong momentum, particularly in the high pressure Individual and Mass Start formats where big event composure often proves decisive.
Standout Performances at the Winter Olympics:
Recent success at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has once again highlighted the sport's biggest names. It is important to note that Olympic results do not count towards the BMW IBU World Cup standings.
- Quentin Fillon Maillet (FRA) - The experienced French biathlete secured multiple medals at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, including gold in the 10km Sprint and bronze in the 15km Mass Start, further adding to an already decorated international career built on consistency and championship pedigree.
- Lisa Vittozzi (ITA) - Vittozzi claimed Olympic gold in the women's pursuit at Milano Cortina 2026, underlining her composure on the range and her ability to deliver in high pressure championship races.
- Maren Kirkeeide (NOR) - Kirkeeide earned two Olympic medals in 2026 - gold in the 7.5km Sprint and silver in the 10km Pursuit, highlighting her rapid rise on the international circuit and her strength across sprint and pursuit formats.
- Suvi Minkkinen (FIN) - Minkkinen captured her first Olympic medal (bronze) in the women's pursuit at Milano Cortina 2026, marking a career defining performance on home continent snow.
Where to Watch Biathlon on Eurovision Sport
You can watch the IBU World Cup Kontiolahti 2026 live and free on Eurovision Sport, alongside full replays and highlights, subject to broadcast restrictions.
Fans can also stream:
- IBU Youth & Junior World Championships
- IBU Open European Championships
- IBU World Cup Nove Mesto na Morave
- Sweden Premiere Biathlon 2025
- Loop One Biathlon Festival
Follow every stage of the winter biathlon season, from iconic German venues to Nordic classics, all live and free on Eurovision Sport.