The juniors are finally kicking off their biathlon season. This year's schedule includes stops in Goms (Switzerland), Martell (Italy), Madona (Latvia), the IBU Junior Open European Championships in Imatra (Finland), and, as the highlight, the IBU Youth Junior World Championships in Arber (Germany).

While the first points have already been awarded in the World Cup, the juniors will start their season in the IBU Junior Cup in mid-December. The first two stops are in the Alpine region, with Goms kicking things off. There, the athletes will compete in two sprint races and one mass start 60 race. In Martell, in addition to individual and sprint races, the first relay races of the season are also on the schedule. The season continues in January in the Baltic States. Madona is already a well-known biathlon venue, while Imatra is celebrating its premiere. The IBU Youth Junior World Championship at Arber is the highlight of the season. “These will be the last World Championships for the Youth category. From next season on, the World Championships will be held only for the junior category”, says Tomasz Bernat, IBU Junior Cup race Director.

Imatra celebrates its debut as host of international IBU biathlon races

Biathlon has a long history in Imatra. Biathlon competitions have been held by the Finnish military since the 1950s. The current shooting range at Ukonniemi Stadium was opened in 2016. Since then, the local club, Imatran Urheilijat, has organized several Finnish championships, regional BBC Cups, and many other competitions, most recently the Finnish Summer Championships in the fall of 2025. The IBU Junior Open European Championships will take place from January 21 to 25, 2026.

Which athletes should you watch out for?

The successful athletes from last season's Junior Cup, such as Amandine Mengin, Anna Andexer, Matija Legovic, and Grzegorz Galica, have already taken the next step and are now competing in the World Cup or IBU Cup. It's time for young talents to step up. The French team is also among the favorites in the Junior Cup. With Antonin Guy and Leo Carlier, they have the YJWCH world champions from Oestersund in their team. Lukas Tannheimer from Germany will also be motivated going into the new season thanks to his good results at the title competitions in Oestersund. David Elias from Czechia has already shown in the Junior Cup that he can make it onto the podium.

Melina Gaupp from Germany is one of the favorites in the women's competition. She performed strongly at the national championships in September. Italy's Carlotta Gautero was also in contention for the overall World Cup title. The French team will also be competing for the top spots in the women's competition.

Photos: IBU I Authanayou, Danielsson