Exactly 365 days before the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, we examine the impressions the competitors gained from the recent Paralympic Test Event at Val di Fiemme (ITA). For many, these will be the defining starts of their athletic careers; some are even calling it their “last dance.” Yet they all share one goal: to arrive next year in peak form and highlight the thrill of para biathlon on the sport’s biggest stage.

One year before the world’s best para biathletes return to Val di Fiemme for the Games, the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Stadium served as a testing ground for both athletes and organizers in the second Para Biathlon World Cup of the season — yielding crucial insights into race conditions, course dynamics, and logistics. This well-known venue has been already tested in competition many times. The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships were held there in 1991, 2003, and 2013. It is a permanent host of the Tour de Ski and a part of the legendary Marcialonga. Biathlon competitions were also staged there during the 26th Winter Universiade in 2013. Val di Fiemme welcomed the biathletes with a less-than-wintery atmosphere. Several days of rainfall before the competition had significantly reduced the thickness of the snow cover, and during official training, large puddles formed on the track. All competitors are hoping for significantly more snow next March. Fortunately, a light frost and the hard work of the track crew ensured that the tracks were in perfect condition on both days of the competition.

"We were fortunate to have fast conditions, and the range was set up beautifully as well. There were some fun, technical sections on the backside that were really fast, with tight turns. It’s the kind of terrain I enjoy," said Aaron Pike, 2025 para biathlon world champion, who is still in pursuit of his first Paralympic success. "Regarding motivation, nothing has changed. I’m still working hard every four years with the ultimate goal of stepping onto the podium at the Paralympics. That has always been my focus, and I’m excited about next year’s Games and the opportunities they bring," he added.

The Paralympic Test Event aimed to evaluate the facility under race conditions ahead of the most important event in this four-year span. The competition provided valuable insights into scheduling adjustments for the event program. In the morning hours, the sun shining over the venue interfered with the signal of the laser rifles used by competitors in the vision-impaired category. As a result, their races could only take place in the afternoon, when the sun dipped behind the surrounding peaks.

"I’m glad we had this test event a year before the Paralympics. We still have nearly a year to make some adjustments. Due to the change in start time, we had to adapt our preparations a bit, but that affected everyone. The races here were a great experience, and the final section of the course is so steep—the hills are really demanding. I hope to win some medals here next year," said Leonie Maria Walter, a two-time winner of the test event in the VI category who already scored three medals for Germany at Beijing Paralympics. If results from a year before the Games are any indication of future success, Marek Arendz stands out as the strongest favorite for Paralympic gold, having dominated the men’s standing category. The 34-year-old Canadian, who has already claimed eight medals across three Paralympics, is aiming for more—and to that end, he approached the test competitions with utmost seriousness.

Twelve months before the Games, athletes are setting clear expectations for their performances. Some aim as high as possible, with gold in their sights—like Carina Edlinger, who already knows the taste of Paralympic victory in cross-country skiing. For some time, she has been testing her skills in biathlon and seeing progressively better results, capped by her first win at the Paralympic trials. "Everyone knows I can ski, and I’ve proven I can shoot many times. But that perfect race hasn’t happened yet. Hopefully, that day will come—especially at the Paralympics. Winning gold in both cross-country skiing and biathlon would be incredibly special,” said Edlinger.

For some athletes, next year’s Paralympics will mark the culmination of their sporting careers. One of those planning to train for only 12 more months is Scott Meenagh. The 36-years old Scot, who has already reached the World Championship podium, aims to take his final bow in the spotlight. “I’m treating this next year like my ‘last dance’—a chance to put everything I have into delivering my best performance in Italy. I also have a young family who will hopefully be there to support me, and racing at my peak in front of them is my ultimate dream,” Meenagh said.

Biathlon competitions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled for March 7–12. The event will feature three disciplines—Sprint, Sprint Pursuit, and Individual—with a total of 18 sets of medals awarded.

Photos: Vanzetta/IBU