Sat 18.10. - Sun 19.10.2025
For the first time in history, the biathlon season will kick off in an urban setting, Munich's famous Olympic Park, where the first Loop One Festival will take place from 18 - 19 October 2025. The event combines high-performance sport with a lively festival atmosphere to inspire both long-time fans and biathlon newcomers.
On Saturday 18 October, thousands of fans will be able to experience thrilling head-to-head para-biathlon and youth roller ski races and try out the sport for themselves. On Saturday 19 October, 60 of the world's best biathletes will compete in a super sprint format on roller skis to experience top-class biathlon like never before. Four qualifying runs will be followed by what is sure to be an unforgettable final.
In addition to world-class biathlon at this historic venue, the festival will offer family-friendly activities and entertainment for fans throughout the weekend. There will be culinary and cultural offerings for families on the festival site, exciting activities and experiences for an urban audience and the opportunity for children and adults to try out biathlon as part of the IBU's Biathlon 4 All programme.
Oct
18
10:00 AM
Entry 10:00 AM
Oct
19
10:00 AM
Entry 10:00 AM
Olympic Park Munich
Parking
Direction
Map
Info
Max Cobb, IBU Secretary General: ‘The Loop One Festival is a ground-breaking step forward for biathlon. By bringing our sport to such a historic, urban location as Munich's Olympic Park, we are not only celebrating the start of the new season - we are completely redeveloping the way we engage with fans and young people in particular. This event will bring the fascination and accessibility of biathlon to all target groups in an atmospheric setting.’
Daniel Böhm, IBU Sport and Event Director: ‘We see this event as a kick-off to the winter season that opens up a new perspective on summer biathlon - one that fits into an urban environment, is accessible and creates a festival-like atmosphere. By moving away from traditional formats and venues, the IBU is giving more children and young people around the world access to and enjoyment of biathlon. By bringing biathlon out of the mountains and into the heart of the city, we hope to ignite a passion for biathlon in the next generation of fans and athletes.’ The festival site and the course around the Olympic Lake are freely accessible, while several thousand tickets will go on sale for the grandstand in front of the shooting range by the lake in the Olympic Park. Advance sales are expected to start in March 2025.
IBU President Olle Dahlin: ‘The Loop One Festival is an important milestone in our efforts to rewrite our future and expand the reach of biathlon as envisaged in our Target 2030 strategic plan. By embedding the sport in an urban landscape and raising awareness of its sustainability through inclusive and accessible initiatives, we are demonstrating that our sport is relevant to many different audiences. This event embodies the IBU's vision to create unity and excitement while promoting the spirit of competition in a way that fits today.’
IBU Vice President Jiri Hamza: ‘The Loop One Festival is a unique opportunity to redefine the positioning of biathlon and especially summer biathlon for the future. The dynamic mix of top-class sport and an urban environment offers unrivalled potential to attract new fans and partners. It also dares to take a look into the future and shows how summer events could play a key role in the further development and appeal of the sport.’