IBU Open European Championships
The IBU Open European Championships will take place in Norway in early 2026, with Sjusjøen set to host Europe's top biathletes from 28 January to 1 February 2026.
The championships offer a key international title opportunity within the biathlon calendar and can be watched live and free on Eurovision Sport.
- Location: Sjusjøen, Norway
- Dates: 28 January - 1 February 2026
- Organiser: International Biathlon Union (IBU)
- Disciplines: Sprint, Pursuit, Individual, Relay
- Streaming: Live and on demand, free on Eurovision Sport
Biathlon Schedule
All event times listed below are local time in Sjusjøen (CET) and are subject to change.
| Date | Time & Event |
|---|---|
| 28 January 2026 | 10:20 - Men's 20km Individual |
| 14:30 - Women's 15km Individual | |
| 30 January 2026 | 10:45 - Men's 10km Sprint |
| 14:30 - Women's 7.5km Sprint | |
| 31 January 2026 | 10:50 - Men's 12.5km Pursuit |
| 13:30 - Women's 10km Pursuit | |
| 1 February 2026 | 10:40 - Men's 4 x 7.5km Relay |
| 13:45 - Women's 4 x 6km Relay |
About the IBU Open European Championships
The IBU Open European Championships represent one of the most important continental titles in biathlon. It is held as an 'open' competition, meaning the participants are not limited to athletes from Europe. Athletes and teams from North and South America, Australia and Asia are also allowed to compete.
First staged in 1994, the championships are held annually, often rotating between established biathlon venues. While traditionally seen as an opportunity for developing athletes and strong national depth teams, the event regularly features World Cup-level competitors and Olympic medallists, particularly in Olympic cycle seasons.
In recent years, the championships have grown in profile, with increased broadcast coverage and growing importance for national team selection, ranking points and international experience.
Recap: IBU Open European Championships 2025, Val Martello
The 2025 IBU Open European Championships were held in Val Martello, Italy, a high-altitude venue known for demanding climbs and thin air conditions.
The championships delivered competitive racing across all disciplines, with several nations using the event to showcase squad depth and emerging talent. Norway topped the medal table with 3 gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal. Germany came second followed by Sweden in third. Anna-Karin Heijdenberg from Sweden was a standout performer, medalling in all of her individual races, and winning all but one of Sweden's total medals.
The event once again reinforced the championships' role as a proving ground for future World Cup contenders.
The Venue: Sjusjøen Arena Natrudstilen
Sjusjøen is one of Norway's most established winter sports destinations and a long-standing centre for elite biathlon training and competition. Located at altitude and surrounded by open plateau terrain, the venue is known for reliable winter conditions and demanding ski profiles.
Sjusjøen has hosted multiple IBU-level events, first appearing on the IBU Cup circuit in the 2017/2018 season. It hosted the FIS Cross-Country Skiing World Cup in 2011 and remains a regular training base for Norway's national teams, making it a fitting host for a continental championship.
Where to Watch Biathlon Live on Eurovision Sport
Fans can watch the IBU Open European Championships 2026 live and free on Eurovision Sport, subject to broadcast restrictions, alongside a full season of world-class biathlon.
More biathlon available on Eurovision Sport includes:
- BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup
- Sweden Premiere Biathlon 2025
- 2025 Loop One Biathlon Festival
- 2024/2025 Biathlon World Cup
Stream live races, full replays and highlights anytime, anywhere on Eurovision Sport.