Biathlon: sport, passion and performance

Visit biathlon is a unique discipline that combines two demanding skills: the endurance of the cross-country skiing and the precision of the rifle shooting. Long the preserve of Scandinavian servicemen, this sport has won over thrill-seekers and television viewers the world over. Let's find out why biathlon has become an icon of winter sports and why it deserves your full attention, whether you're a spectator, a practitioner or a potential sponsor. To get a better idea of its history and champions, take a look at the regions. the country where it is most popular offers a fascinating perspective.

Biathlon: between endurance and precision

A unique sport combining two disciplines

Visit biathlon is a winter sport that fuses two distinct worlds: fast gliding on skis and the extreme concentration of shooting. During a race, athletes cover several kilometers in a single cross-country skiing before stopping at shooting ranges where they must hit targets 50 metres away.

The challenge lies in the contrast: after an intense effort and a heart beating at over 180 beats per minute, you have to slow down your breathing to stabilize your .22 calibre rifle. The slightest error results in a penalty one extra lap of the ring or one minute added to the final time.

This combination of endurance and precision makes the biathlon a discipline that's captivating to watch and demanding to practice.

Race formats

Visit biathlon offers several types of events that vary in length and rules:

• Sprint 10 km for men, 7.5 km for women, with two shooting sessions (prone and standing).

• Continuation Start according to sprint results, 12.5km/10km, four shooting sessions.

• Individual 20 km/15 km, four shots, one-minute penalty for each target missed.

• Mass start all biathletes start together, 15 km/12.5 km.

• Relay In teams of four, each member completes a loop with two shots.

These formats offer a variety of strategies and spectacular twists that appeal to an ever-growing audience.

Biathlon programme, The complete programme for the 2024-25 biathlon season

The season of biathlon 2024-25, organized by the International Biathlon Union (IBU), runs from November 30, 2024 at March 23, 2025with nine major stages, including the World Championships in Lenzerheide. This program highlights all the race formats and key dates for following or sponsoring this demanding discipline..

Stage 1 - Kontiolahti (Finland): November 30 - December 8, 2024

• Opening with a mixed relay and a classic mixed relay

• Individual short, sprint, men's and women's relay, mass start

Stage 2 - Hochfilzen (Austria): December 13-15

• Sprint, pursuit and relay

• Strategic meeting between biathletes from all over the world

Stage 3 - Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand (France): December 19-22

• Traditional formats: sprint, pursuit, mass start

• French fans celebrate with their team

Stage 4 - Oberhof (Germany): January 9-12, 2025

• Sprint and pursuit

• Decisive period for World Cup

Stage 5 - Ruhpolding (Germany): January 15-19

• Classic individual and tactical restarts in mass start and relays

Stage 6 - Antholz-Anterselva (Italy): January 23-26

• Sprint and pursuit

• Alpine milestone before the World Championships

World Championships - Lenzerheide (Switzerland): February 12-23, 2025

The World Championships are the highlight of the biathlon. Here is the detailed program :

Resumption of the World Cup - Stages 7 to 9

• Nove Město na Moravě (Czech Republic): March 6-9, 2025 - sprint, pursuit, relay

• Pokljuka (Slovenia): March 13-16 - individual short, pursuit, relay and mass start

• Oslo-Holmenkollen (Norway): March 21-23 - season finale with sprint, pursuit and mass start

Why this program thrills fans

This European tour of biathlon offers a perfect balance between individual formatsThese include relay races and flagship events such as the mass start. Each stage offers sponsors increased visibility, particularly during the final phase in Norway, season after season. The World Championships are the pinnacle of the sport, attracting a record audience and offering incomparable prestige.

Focus France 🇫🇷

Stages are organized in France (Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand), offering exceptional local exposure. The performances of the French athletes are underlined by their frequent victories in sprints, relays and mass starts. The program also reflects the rise of athletes such as Julia Simon and Quentin Fillon Maillet - major assets for sponsors.

Biathlon calendar 2025-2026

Biathlon World Cup 2025-2026

The season begins November 29, 2025 in Östersund (Sweden) to conclude March 22, 2026 in Oslo-Holmenkollen (Norway). A total of 9 steps make up this European tour, culminating in the Winter Olympics in Antholz-Anterselva.

Milestones :

1. Stage 1 - Östersund (SWE) Nov 29 - Dec 7

   • relay, sprint, pursuit, individual, mixed relay, single-mix

2. Stage 2 - Hochfilzen (AUT) Dec 12 - 14: sprint, pursuit, relay

3. Step 3 - Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand (FRA) Dec 18 - 21: sprint, pursuit, mass start

4. Stage 4 - Oberhof (GER) Jan 8 - 11, 2026: sprint, pursuit, relay

5. Stage 5 - Ruhpolding (GER) Jan 14 - 18: sprint, pursuit, relay

6. Stage 6 - Nové Město na Moravě (CZE) Jan 22 - 25: individual short, mass start, mixed relay

Olympic Winter Games - Antholz-Anterselva (ITA)

From February 8 to 21, 2026biathlon is introduced to Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics6 events (individual, sprint, pursuit, mass start, relay, mixed relay).

World Cup resumes

7. Kontiolahti (FIN) March 5 - 8, individual events, relays, mass start

8. Otepää (EST) March 12 - 15: sprint, pursuit, mixed relay

9. Oslo-Holmenkollen (NOR) March 19 - 22, closing with sprint, pursuit and mass start

Why follow this schedule?

The 2025-26 Biathlon Calendar covers all formats: individual, sprint, pursuit, mass start, relay and mixed relay.
Each stage, relayed on biathlonworld.com and Eurosport, offers a non-stop spectacle, perfect for enthusiasts.
The Special Olympics do not count towards the rankings, but they are the most prestigious event of the season..

Biathlon direct: live, calendar and results

For watch biathlon liveThere are several options available. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) offers a free live streaming via Eurovision Sportavailable by registering on biathlonworld.com. You can follow every stage of the World Cup, relays, pursuits and mass starts live or in replay.

Specialized sites such as Biathlon Live offer real-time monitoring of programand results and rankings. On EurosportYou also have access to live scores and updated season schedules..

What you can see live

• Live results Every shot, every penalty lap, every stopwatch is updated in real time - that's the heart of the biathlon direct.

• Complete calendar nine World Cup stages, plus World and European Championships, with dates and formats (sprint, pursuit, mass start, relay).

• Season rankings View the overall rankings, the crystal globes, the best young biathletes (U23)... live coverage enriches the experience..

Why follow biathlon direct?

• Total immersion The intensity of the shot, the pressure of the moment, the strategy of the race.

• Interaction Share highlights on the web, follow live analysis and commentary.

• Accessibility easy reception on mobile, tablet and web, via app or dedicated site.

Quick access

In short, to experience biathlon directRegister for free with the IBU, use Eurosport or Biathlon Live, and immerse yourself in the intensity of each race.

Women's biathlon rankings: who dominates the season?

The 2024-2025 season of biathlon The women's race highlighted some remarkable performances in the overall rankings. Leading the way in the crystal globe were Franziska Preuß (Germany) with 1,278 points, closely followed by her French rivals : Lou Jeanmonnot (1,258 points) and Julia Simon (902 points). These results confirm the fierce battle between the Germans and the French.

Intermediate podiums and consistent performances

• Elvira Öberg (Sweden), fourth, 761 points.

• The young French generation also shines: Océane Michelon (760 points, U23), Jeanne Richard (755 points, U23) and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet (657 points) feature in the top 10.

Specialities: sprint, pursuit, mass start

• Visit sprintFranziska Preuß dominates; Lou Jeanmonnot and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet complete the podium .

• Visit pursuitLou Jeanmonnot takes the lead, followed by Julia Simon and Franziska Preuß .

• Visit mass startPreuß leads, ahead of Elvira Öberg and Lou Jeanmonnot.

Analysis and outlook

The duel between Franziska Preuß and Lou Jeanmonnot the rhythm of the biathlon women. The German has taken a slight lead thanks to her consistency, but the Frenchwoman remains within reach. Julia Simonworld champion, confirms her form with 902 points overall and several podium finishes. What's more, young French women Océane Michelon and Jeanne Richard promise a bright future, consolidating France's position in this demanding discipline.

Why follow the leaderboard?

• Competitive climate Points are earned for every shot, penalty lap or speeding lap - every detail counts.

• Live narration The general and discipline rankings evolve step by step, fuelling the interest of fans.

• Data-driven Betting on an athlete means analyzing her points in the sprint, pursuit and mass start to predict her rise to the top.

In short, the women's biathlon ranking of the season is dominated by Franziska Preußwith a strong rivalry with Lou Jeanmonnot. This dynamic, supported by young French talent and victories by speciality, will thrill enthusiasts and ensure a season full of suspense.

Biathlon Men's rankings: who dominates the season?

At the end of the season 2024-2025 of the Men's Biathlon World Cupis Sturla Holm Lægreid (Norway) who won the large crystal globe with 1,291 pointsahead of his compatriot Johannes Thingnes Bø (1,173 pts).

Behind this Norwegian duo is the Frenchman Éric Perrot in 3ᵉ position with 926 pointsfollowed by the Swedish Sebastian Samuelsson (875 pts) and the tricolor Quentin Fillon Maillet to 862 pts.

Podium and disciples

• 4ᵉ World Sprint Johannes Bø leads the way in the sprint (432 pts), while Lægreid follows close behind with 381 pts..

• Visit pursuitLægreid dominates (430 pts), tied with Bø, proving its versatility.

• Visit mass startLægreid accumulates 315 pts, just ahead of Éric Perrot (314 pts) and Quentin Fillon Maillet (268 pts) .

Hierarchy analysis

The overall men's biathlon reflects a season marked by Norwegianwith Lægreid taking the lead over teammate Bø thanks to impressive consistency in all formats. The French Perrot and Fillon Maillet remain in the top 5, testifying to France's growing strength in this discipline. .

The presence of pilots like Samuelsson, Tommaso Giacomel (6ᵉ - 827 pts) and Émilien Jacquelin (7ᵉ - 777 pts) shows a widening gap in the top 10, combining consistency and outstanding results.

Why follow this ranking?

• Increased tension Every point counts, between the battle for the big globe and the disciplinary rankings.

• Strategic storytelling The ranking by discipline (sprint, mass start, pursuit) highlights the athletes' specialities.

• Public engagement Lægreid vs Bø: a fascinating duel to energize the broadcasts.

In short, the men's biathlon ranking of the season features Sturla Holm Lægreid as the undisputed leader, with Bø, Perrot and Fillon Maillet in close pursuit. This hierarchy promises exciting future seasons for fans and sponsors alike.

Biathlon mass start: the showpiece event

Visit mass start is one of the most spectacular events in the biathlon. It brings together in a single departure Top 30 biathletes or previous races. Unlike other formats, all competitors start at the same time, creating a intense, strategic racing from the very first meters.

Over a distance of 15 km for men and 12.5 km for womenthe mass start includes four shooting sessions Two lying, two standing. Each missed shot results in a 150-metre penalty lap, which can upset the ranking at any time.

It is in this discipline that regularity pressure management and the ability to shoot quickly are decisive. The mass start is often considered to be the "show finale" of the major biathlonparticularly during World Championships or Olympic Games.

Top biathletes like Johannes Bø, Sturla Lægreid, Julia Simon or Franziska Preuß excellent in this format, where the slightest error is paid for in cash. The mass start offers a intense experience for spectators, with finishes that are often very close and rich in emotion.

History and development of biathlon

From military origins to Olympic sport

Visit biathlon has its roots in the Scandinavian military patrols of the XVIIIᵉ century. Back then, soldiers had to move quickly on skis while still being able to shoot accurately to hunt or defend themselves.

The first official competition took place in Norway in 1767. The sport evolved over the centuries to become an Olympic discipline in 1960 for men and 1992 for women.

Today, the biathlon retains the aura of military rigor and self-improvement that attracts so many enthusiasts.

The modern era with IBU

The creation of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in 1993 was a milestone. It enabled :

• Harmonized rules

• Infrastructure improvements

• Greater international visibility with the World Cup and World Championships.

These events attract millions of spectators and enhance the prestige of the biathlon.

Essential materials and equipment

Key elements for athletes

To perform in biathlonevery detail of the equipment counts:

• Skis The new, shorter, lighter cross-country skis for better maneuverability.

• Rifle .22 calibre, minimum weight 3.5 kg according to IBU standards.

• Sticks The new, more ergonomic design: adapted to promote propulsion without hindering shooting.

• Targets diameter 4.5 cm (lying) and 11.5 cm (standing), positioned at 50 m.

Technical innovations

Specialized brands are developing optimized equipment to reduce the time between skiing and shooting. Wetsuit comfort and aerodynamics also play a crucial role.

The nations and champions that dominate biathlon

Must-see countries

Norway, France and Germany lead the way biathlon thanks to their infrastructure and strong winter sports culture. Russia and Sweden are also among the leading nations.

Iconic athletes

Some names are engraved in the history of the biathlon :

• Ole Einar Bjørndalen (Norway), the "king of biathlon" with 13 Olympic medals.

• Johannes Thingnes Bø (Norway), current leader in the discipline.

• Julia Simon (France), World Champion 2023.

New rising stars emerge every season, confirming the sport's global appeal.

Biathlon today: a discipline in the spotlight

Major competitions

Visit World Cup 2024-25 and the Lenzerheide 2025 World Championships are testimony to the dynamism of the calendar. With audiences sometimes reaching 5 million in Germany and France, the biathlon is a major asset for broadcasters and sponsors.

Audience and media coverage

Visit biathlon attracts a varied audience: winter sports enthusiasts, families and the younger generation. The number of television and streaming broadcasts increases every year, providing excellent visibility for our partners.

Why support a sponsored article on biathlon?

A sport with strong values

Endurance, precision, resilience, team spirit: the biathlon embodies universal values. For a brand, associating itself with this sport means sharing these qualities with a passionate community.

An engaged audience

With millions of viewers and a strong presence on social networks, the biathlon is an effective channel for reaching a qualified audience. It's the ideal opportunity to promote equipment, mountain holidays or performance-related products.

Frequently asked questions

What is biathlon and how do you practice it?

Visit biathlon combine cross-country skiing and precision shooting. For beginners, there are clubs and discovery courses open to all.

What's the difference between a sprint and a pursuit?

The sprint is a short race with an individual start. The pursuit follows the finishing order of the sprint, with a line start.

Who are the most successful champions?

Ole Einar Bjørndalen (Norway) and Magdalena Neuner (Germany) are among the biggest names.

How is the shooting penalty calculated?

A missed shot results in either a 150 m penalty ring lap, or an extra minute depending on the format.

Is biathlon possible in summer?

Yes, with the summer biathlon (ski-wheeling or running + shooting).

Where can you watch the competitions live?

On Eurosport, L'Équipe TV and official platforms such as biathlonworld.com.

How can I become a partner of a biathlon event?

Contact local federations or the IBU for suitable sponsorship opportunities.

Conclusion

Visit biathlon is much more than a winter sport: it's a veritable school of rigor and self-transcendence. By supporting a sponsored article, you associate your image with strong values and reach a committed and loyal community.

To find out more, discover the complete history of this fascinating discipline on the sports.gouv.fr website