Biathlon Events
Biathlon events blend skiing and shooting across different race formats, each with its own pace, strategy, and demands - from quick sprints to endurance challenges.
- Biathlon events are featured in the World Cup, World Championships, Winter Olympics, and the IBU Cup
- Events are scheduled throughout the winter season, across Europe, North America, and Asia
- Full coverage is streamed live and free on Eurovision Sport
Biathlon Schedule
Biathlon mainly runs during the winter, but summer formats on roller skis are growing. From World Cup races to championships, events now span the full year.
| Season / Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Biathlon Season | Late November to mid-March |
| Key Winter Events |
Biathlon World Cup: Weekly events across multiple locations
World Championships: Held every February (except Olympic years)
Winter Olympics: Every 4 years (biathlon included since 1960)
|
| Summer Biathlon | June to September, using roller skis |
| Competition Locations | Europe, North America, and Asia |
Biathlon Championships
Biathlon titles are earned through both season-long tours and major standalone championships. Each event adds important weight to the sport's competitive calendar.
| Event | Type | Frequency | Who Competes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biathlon World Cup | Season-long series | Annual (Nov-Mar) | All top-ranked athletes (global) |
| Biathlon World Championships | Standalone event | Every year (except Olympic years) | Top athletes from all World Cup nations |
| Winter Olympics | Standalone event | Every 4 years | Nationally selected athletes (limited spots) |
| Biathlon European Championships | Regional championship | Annual | Event is open to biathletes from non-European countries |
IBU Cup
The IBU Cup is biathlon's second-tier circuit, helping rising athletes and returning competitors gain experience, earn points, and work toward World Cup spots.
| Info | |
|---|---|
| Organiser | International Biathlon Union (IBU) |
| Level | Second tier |
| Purpose | Developmental tour for emerging athletes |
| Season Timing | December to March |
| Locations | Venues across Europe |
Biathlon World Cup
The Biathlon World Cup is the top international series, running through winter with races almost every weekend. Athletes compete for points, podiums, and the Crystal Globe.
| Info | |
|---|---|
| Organiser | International Biathlon Union (IBU) |
| Level | Elite |
| Purpose | Determine season champions, world rankings |
| Season Timing | November to March |
| Locations | Premier venues across Europe, Asia, North America |
Every race is a mix of high-speed skiing and high-pressure shooting - with standings that can shift in seconds. It's the core of the biathlon calendar.
Biathlon World Championships
The Biathlon World Championships are a major annual event (except Olympic years), crowning world champions in every race format.
| Info | |
|---|---|
| Organiser | International Biathlon Union (IBU) |
| Frequency | Every year (except Olympic years) |
| Timing | February |
| Events Included | Sprint, pursuit, individual, mass start, relays (men, women, mixed) |
| Who Competes | Top-ranked World Cup athletes from all biathlon nations |
| Purpose | Award world titles and medals; often used for Olympic selection |
| Recent Hosts | Lenzerheide, Switzerland (2025) Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic (2024) Oberhof, Germany (2023) |
The World Championships mix Olympic-level pressure with World Cup race formats, making them a highlight of the biathlon season.
Biathlon European Championships
The Biathlon European Championships give emerging athletes and national teams a shot at continental titles. It's a key step for development and ranking points.
| Info | |
|---|---|
| Organiser | International Biathlon Union (IBU) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Timing | January or February |
| Events Included | Sprint, pursuit, individual, mass start, relays (men, women, mixed) |
| Who Competes | Athletes from non-European countries |
| Recent Hosts | Val Martello (2025) Osrblie (2024) Lenzerheide (2023) |
Junior Biathlon World Championships
The Junior Biathlon World Championships is an annual event for athletes under 22, offering international experience and a chance to shine on the global stage.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Event Disciplines | Sprint, individual, pursuit, and relay |
| Purpose | Provides international competition experience for athletes under 22 and identifies emerging talent |
| Location |
2025 - Östersund
2024 - Otepää
2023 - Schuchinsk
|
| Timing | February - March |
| Age Categories |
Youth: Athletes turning 17-19 during the season
Junior: Athletes turning 20-22 during the season (Nov-Oct)
|
| Race Distances |
Junior Men: 15 km individual, 10 km sprint, 12km mass start 60
Junior Women: 12.5 km individual, 7.5km sprint, 9km mass start 60
Youth Women: 10km individual, 6km sprint, 9km mass start 60
Youth Men: 12.5km individual, 7.5km sprint, 12km mass start 60
|
Winter Olympics Biathlon
Biathlon at the Winter Olympics takes place every four years, featuring top athletes in multiple race formats. Qualification is based on IBU rankings and national quotas.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Event Timing | Every four years during the Winter Olympic Games Next Winter Olympics: 2026 in Italy |
| First Competed at the Olympics | Men - 1960 Winter Olympics in California Women - 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville |
| Qualification Process | A total of 210 biathletes (105 men and women) can compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Biathletes can qualify for a quota place through either: World Cup Nation Cup Score or IBU Qualifying Points List |
| Team Quotas | Each nation can qualify up to 6 men and 6 women |
| Events Contested | Sprint, Pursuit, Individual, Mass Start, Relay, Mixed Relay |
Watch Biathlon
You can watch biathlon live or on demand for free on Eurovision Sport, with full coverage of the Biathlon World Cup races and championships, including replays and highlights.



