The biathlon sport is celebrating its premiere in Munich. For the first time, numerous world-class athletes are gathering in the Bavarian capital for the Loop One Festival. Here’s how you can follow the event live today.
The start of the new biathlon season is happening a bit earlier than usual this season. Even before the official World Cup opener in Östersund (starting November 29th), the biathlon elite is meeting in Munich for the Loop One Festival. The event takes place on October 18th and 19th in the Olympic Park.
Although the races are being held on roller skis and no World Cup points are awarded, athletes and fans can still get into the winter spirit and get an idea of who is in particularly good early form.
Sturla Holm Laegreid travels to the Loop One Festival in Munich
The goal of the event is to bring biathlon sport to the city center and attract a new audience. The races are accompanied by a diverse supporting program including a biathlon participation station.
First, participants need to qualify for the final through qualification races. 15 women and 15 men will participate in the final respectively.
The start will be in a mass start format, followed by five laps of 1.8 kilometers each. Shooting will be done twice in prone position and twice in standing position. The penalty loop is 60 meters long, making it 90 meters shorter than in classic World Cup races.