The 2025/26 International Biathlon Union (IBU) Season launched with a massive bang at the Loop One Festival at Munich’s Olympiapark in late October. Biathlon Australia‘s highest ranked biathletes, Darcie Morton (0,1) and Phoenix Sparke, mixed it with the world’s best in the exciting Super Sprint format.
Snow Action’s, Dave Windsor, together with 55,000 fans cheered them on – both in the huge grandstand and lining the 1.8km roller ski track around the Olympic Lake.
“It was good fun and I’m so happy to be here”, said Phoenix after his heat, “it was a super good learning experience. The fans were so close, and the short sprint track was filled the entire way around. So, it was a great atmosphere to race in. It was a lot of fun to be a part of it and racing with all the big names.” – Phoenix Sparke was a favourite with the crowd
“It was pretty incredible, I heard over the loud speaker that there were over 50,000 people there,” said Darcie, “and the Germans always make it pretty awesome. It was a bit of fun, and I got to see some old friends and got some really solid shooting in. It was really well organised and really cool.” – Darcie Morton’s ready for the World Cup season
The IBU’s meticulous planning, preparation, and dedication was evident everywhere as they transformed Olympiapark into a purple coloured spectacular. The atmosphere was fabulous, the event was flawless, the weather behaved and the Münchner fans were fired up. Flags waved, cow bells clung, beers flowed, and cheers rung out on every successful German shot.
The finals started with a rolling start from the extremely impressive BMW World, through the Olympic precinct, then onto the track for 5 loops and 4 shooting rounds. France’s Eric Perrot (0,0,1,2 @ 20:33.7) took out first place ahead of Norway’s Isak Leknes Frey and Germany’s Justus Strelow in a hot, fast paced battle that saw plenty of lead changes. And Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi (0,0,1,1 @ 23:44.5) is well and truly back – dominating from the start ahead of the Swedish duo of Johanna Skottheim and Anna Magnusson, finishing 5.9 seconds and 7.4 seconds behind Vittozzi.
The Eurovision Sport coverage was watched by thousands in Australia (give or take 991 ) and you can catch up on all the highlights in their app or online. The IBU also has some great coverage on their website.
Congratulations and thanks to everyone at the IBU and all their partners & volunteers who made Loop One such an overwhelming success and wonderful experience.
We wish the Biathlon Australia National Team all the very best for the season – which will culminate at the Milano-Cortina Olympics & Paralympics. And if this season “opener” is any indication, then I’m convinced it’ll be a great one.
