Eric Perrot, France, and Lisa Vittozzi, Italy, took victories today in an unforgettable Super Sprint final in front of a packed-out crowd at the first-ever Loop One Festival in the Munich Olympic Park.

The Olympic Park venue welcomed 50.000 visitors during the day on Sunday and saw 18.000 fans who gathered in the stands and along the iconic course to support some of the world’s best athletes as they battled it out for the win in a season-opening race like no other. The Super Sprint, which marked the highlight of an unforgettable two-day festival, provided high-intensity, spectator-friendly competitions with four qualification heats per gender feeding into a 15-competitor final.

In the men’s final, it was a thrilling battle between Eric Perrot and the young Norwegian Isak Frey, with last year’s World Champion Perrot proving to be stronger. In the women’s race, Lisa Vittozzi made an impressive comeback in her first competition after a back injury that kept her out for the entire last season.

The ten thousands, fortunate enough to watch live from this spectacular urban setting, were joined by millions more at home as 13 broadcasters broadcast the event.

IBU Secretary General Max Cobb said:

“Today’s incredible Super Sprint was the perfect end to what has been an exceptional first-ever Loop One Festival. By bringing biathlon down from the mountains into the heart of the city, we have been able to extend our reach beyond our usual fanbase, giving unprecedented access to the stars of our sport and engaging a whole new audience. I have no doubt that our athletes' inspiring performances will have created new fans who will now be impatient for more biathlon when the World Cup begins next month.

“While today’s race was the highlight of the weekend, the Loop One Festival was always about more than elite biathlon. Over 5000 people tried biathlon themselves in our Biathlon 4 all activation.”

The Loop One Festival is part of the IBU’s Target 2030 strategic plan and its commitment to extending its reach through innovation. Over the course of the festival, Munich's Olympic Park was transformed into a playground of biathlon, music, activities, and family entertainment. Fans had the opportunity to try biathlon for themselves, meet biathlon legends and learn more about the sport. There were junior and Para biathlon competitions, YOGA and fitness activities, as well as a live concert headlined by Germany’s music sensation, Kamrad.

Photo: IBU/Manzoni