The International Biathlon Union (IBU) is thrilled to unveil the Loop One Festival, an innovative two-day event set to redefine the biathlon season opening.

For the first time ever, the biathlon season will open in an urban setting with the iconic Munich Olympic Park hosting the inaugural Loop One Festival from 18-19 October 2025. The event will blend high-performance sport with a vibrant festival atmosphere to captivate both avid fans and newcomers to the sport.

On Saturday 18 October, thousands of fans will be able to enjoy thrilling head-to-head roller ski races in para biathlon and youth competitions and try the sport for themselves. On Sunday 19 October, 60 of the world’s best biathletes per gender will compete on roller skis in a Super Sprint format showcasing elite biathlon in a way never seen before. Four qualifying heats will lead to what is set to be an unforgettable final.

As well as enjoying world-class biathlon in an iconic summer venue, fans will have opportunities to engage in family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. The festival zone will provide culinary and cultural offers for families and engaging activities and experiences designed to attract urban audiences and provide opportunities for kids and adults alike to try biathlon under the IBU’s Biathlon 4 All programme.

Max Cobb, IBU Secretary General, said:

"The Loop One Festival represents a groundbreaking step forward for biathlon. By bringing our sport into an iconic urban setting like Munich’s Olympic Park, we’re not just celebrating the start of the new season—we’re reimagining how we connect with fans, especially young people. This event is designed to showcase biathlon’s excitement and accessibility, in a festive environment open to everyone."

IBU Sport & Events Director Daniel Böhm said:

"We see this event as a prelude to the winter season and a fresh perspective on summer biathlon—one that embraces urban settings, enhanced accessibility, and a festival-like atmosphere. By departing from traditional formats and venues, the IBU is paving the way to make biathlon more accessible and enjoyable for children and young people worldwide. By bringing biathlon out of the mountains and into the heart of the city, we hope to spark the passion for biathlon with the next generation of fans and athletes.”

Access to the festival area and the course around the Olympic Lake will be for free, whilst several thousand tickets will be sold for the grandstand facing the shooting range on the lake in the Olympic Park. Ticketing is scheduled to start in March 2025.

IBU President Olle Dahlin:

"The Loop One Festival marks a significant milestone in our efforts to innovate our future and expand biathlon's reach as mandated in our Strategic Plan Target 2030. By embracing an urban landscape and highlighting sustainability through inclusive and accessible initiatives, we are demonstrating how our sport can connect with diverse audiences. This event embodies the IBU's vision of fostering unity and excitement while promoting the spirit of competition in ways that resonate with today’s world."

IBU Vice President Jiri Hamza:

"The Loop One Festival represents a golden opportunity to redefine how we position biathlon and especially summer biathlon for the future. The dynamic blend of elite competition and urban engagement offers unparalleled potential to attract new fans and partners. It is also a look ahead, showcasing how summer events could play a pivotal role in the sport's evolution and appeal."

Photo: Munich Olympic Park ©Fabian Stoffers_for editorial use only