Biathlon without snow. In a city park. Surrounded by food trucks, live music and thousands of curious visitors. That was the scene at Munich's Olympic Park when Loop One made its debut last year. One year later, the verdict seems clear: fans want more.

The inaugural Loop One Festival attracted tens of thousands of spectators to Munich's Olympic Park, exceeding expectations and quickly establishing itself as one of the most talked-about events on the biathlon calendar. For many visitors, it was not just about watching a race. It was about experiencing biathlon in a new way.

Part of the appeal lies in the setting. Unlike traditional World Cup venues tucked away in the mountains, Loop One takes place in the middle of a major city. The course winds around Munich's iconic Olympic Lake, bringing the athletes closer to spectators and making the sport accessible to people who may never have attended a biathlon event before. The festival area and much of the course are freely accessible, allowing fans to move around, discover different viewing points and follow the action from multiple angles throughout the day.

From the start, Loop One was designed as more than a competition. Alongside the racing, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, music, food and drink, interactive activities and opportunities to try biathlon themselves. The result is something closer to a sports festival than a traditional race weekend.

The compact course layout means fans are never far from the action. Rather than spending the day in a grandstand, spectators can follow the racing from different parts of the venue while enjoying everything the festival has to offer.

The athletes seemed to appreciate it as well. Germany's Justus Strelow described the atmosphere during the first edition as "crazy", praising the opportunity to bring biathlon into the city and reach new audiences.

That blend of sport and entertainment may be what sets Loop One apart.

The racing itself remains unmistakably biathlon. Athletes still battle for every second and face the pressure of the shooting range. What changes is everything around it.

By moving biathlon into the heart of one of Europe's most famous urban parks, Loop One has created a new way for fans to connect with the sport. For one weekend, biathlon is no longer something happening far away in a winter resort. It is right there in the middle of the city, surrounded by music, conversation and thousands of people sharing the experience together.

And perhaps that is what keeps fans coming back for more.

Planning a visit?

Loop One Festival 2026

17–18 October 2026

Olympic Park, Munich, Germany

Tickets: here

Event website: here

Photos: IBU Photopool