The Winter Olympics in Milan/Cortina are already casting their shadows. Preparations are in full swing for the biathlon course in Antholz – but not everything is ready yet.
In just eight months, Germany’s athletes will once again be competing for Olympic gold, silver, and bronze. A highlight of the Winter Olympics (from February 6th to 22nd) in Milan/Cortina will be the biathlon competitions in Antholz.
New opportunities will be available for the athletes. Because the weapons – unlike at the Biathlon World Cups – are not allowed to be taken to the hotel, a dry practice room is currently being set up inside the stadium. There, the biathletes can test the weapons before the competition.
The biathlon competitions at the 2026 Olympics will take place here in Antholz
Biathlon Finish Line Passes Test
In addition to this innovation, a completely new fitness room is also being worked on, which is part of a medical competence center.
The ÖSV sports director Mario Stecher was also impressed in an interview with SPORT1: “That is really second to none and you are already a real step ahead.”
Those responsible are also a big step further in adapting the finish line in Antholz.
As OK boss Lorenz Leitgeb explained in an interview with SPORT1, this helps to “defuse many crossing points technically” and should also offer fans on site the opportunity to experience the most exciting moments of the race.
The adapted track already passed its first test at the Biathlon World Cup at the beginning of the year – with a positive conclusion from those responsible.
Media rooms below the stadium
Media and service rooms are also currently being created in the rooms below the stadium, which should enable smooth worldwide transmission during the Olympics.
Biathlon Facility in Antholz Becomes More Sustainable
The focus is also on sustainability, which the renovation of the stadium brings with it. The facility in Antholz should be used all year round in the future.
“It was important for us: If it is a must for the Olympic Games, we prepare it in such a way that we can then use it for other activities afterwards,” said Leitgeb.
In order to be particularly sustainable, photovoltaic systems were installed around the stadium building, which make it possible to use the facility only with self-produced electricity in summer.
In addition, a practice room was built where athletes can test their weapons and ammunition under real conditions. A cooling system makes it possible to reach temperatures down to minus 20 degrees.
The practice room with real conditions
This means that the facility can also be used well in summer, especially since the biathletes can complete various routes thanks to a roller treadmill that has not yet been installed in order to keep themselves in the best possible shape even in the snow-free months.
52 Million Euros for Renovation in Antholz
Leitgeb emphasizes how important these developments are so that Antholz continues to be a leading biathlon location: “We were already a stadium that met the requirements of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) – and we have now developed further.”
No costs or efforts are spared for this in Antholz: The renovation costs a proud 52 million euros.
The biathlon stronghold is therefore working on the final renovations around the stadium – and is then ready to welcome the top athletes to the 2026 Winter Olympics.