Loop One is about more than watching the races. Visitors can move between the course, activity areas and a range of things to do throughout the day – and this October, there will be even more to see. The festival returns to Munich's Olympic Park on the weekend of the 17th and 18th of October, with two full days of elite racing and 60 of the world's top biathletes set to take part.

Among them will be two familiar faces: Lisa Vittozzi and Eric Perrot, the Olympic champions who claimed the first-ever Loop One titles last year. They will be joined by Olympic medallists Sturla Holm Lægreid, Johan-Olav Smørdal Botn and Elvira Öberg, while Germany's Janina Hettich-Walz, Vanessa Voigt, Philipp Nawrath and Philipp Horn will also line up on home soil.

But the racing is only part of what awaits in Munich.

Two days, plenty of action

For the first time, elite competition will run across both days of the festival.

Saturday opens with women's and men's Super Sprint qualification races, followed by the Para Biathlon competitions featuring Mass Start races, with the elite Super Sprint finals bringing the day to a close.

Sunday features another round of Super Sprint qualification heats, before the women's and men's finals decide the winners.

With racing spread across two days, visitors can build their visit around the competitions while also making time for the wider programme.

More than a race

The programme includes activities for children, families and fans of all ages, with a dedicated Family Area and a Sidequest Area offering interactive challenges and experiences. Biathlon legends and former German athletes will also be on site, meeting visitors and sharing their experiences, with further details still to be announced.

And for anyone who has ever wondered what it feels like to try biathlon for themselves, the IBU's Biathlon 4 All programme will give visitors the chance to pick up a laser or optical rifle and give biathlon a go themselves.

Food is another part of the festival experience. Visitors can choose from a range of street-food options, including wraps and bowls, vegan chickpea curry, falafel, pizza and vegetarian burgers, alongside smoothies and other drinks. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available, with water refill stations also provided.

Open to everyone

That is part of what makes Loop One different from a traditional race weekend. The action takes place around Munich's Olympic Lake, with the course and festival area open for everyone to explore.

And while tickets are available for those who want a seat in the grandstand or a standing position at the shooting range, access to the course and wider event area is free.

Whether the priority is watching Vittozzi and Perrot defend their titles, trying biathlon for yourself, meeting former champions or simply spending a day at Olympic Park, Loop One offers plenty to fill the weekend.

Loop One is back – and this time, there are two days to make the most of it.

Photo: Manzoni/IBU