The 2025/26 IBU Season launched with a massive bang at the Loop One Festival at Munich's Olympiapark over the weekend. 

Australia's highest ranked biathletes, Darcie Morton (0,1) and Phoenix Sparke, mixed it with the world's best in the exciting Super Sprint format. 

BA Chair, Dave Windsor, together with 55,000 fans cheered them on - both in the huge grandstand and lining the 1.8km roller ski track around the Olympic Lake.

"It was good fun and I'm so happy to be here", said Phoenix after his heat, "it was a super good learning experience.  The fans were so close, and the short sprint track was filled the entire way around. So, it was a great atmosphere to race in.  It was a lot of fun to be a part of it and racing with all the big names."

(Phoenix was a favourite with the crowd)

"It was pretty incredible, I heard over the loud speaker that there were over 50,000 people there," said Darcie, "and the Germans always make it pretty awesome.  It was a bit of fun, and I got to see some old friends and got some really solid shooting in.  It was really well organised and really cool." 

(Darcie's ready for the World Cup season)

The IBU's meticulous planning, preparation, and dedication was evident everywhere as they transformed Olympiapark into a purple coloured spectacular. The atmosphere was fabulous, the event was flawless, the weather behaved and the Münchner fans were fired up.  Flags waved, cow bells clung, beers flowed, and cheers rung out on every successful German shot.

(Darcie flew around the lovely lake)

The finals started with a rolling start from the extremely impressive BMW World, through the Olympic precinct, then onto the track for 5 loops and 4 shooting rounds.  France’s Eric Perrot (0,0,1,2 @ 20:33.7) took out first place ahead of Norway's Isak Leknes Frey and Germany's Justus Strelow in a hot, fast paced battle that saw plenty of lead changes.  And Italy's Lisa Vittozzi (0,0,1,1 @ 23:44.5) is well and truly back - dominating from the start ahead of the Swedish duo of Johanna Skottheim and Anna Magnusson, finishing 5.9 seconds and 7.4 seconds behind Vittozzi. 

(Lisa Vittozzi crossing the line after her dominant performance)

The Eurovision Sport coverage was watched by thousands in Australia (give or take 991 😉) and you can catch up on all the highlights in the app or online.  The IBU also has some great coverage on their website. 

Biathlon Australia congratulates and thanks everyone at the IBU, BIU, EBU, BMW and all their partners & volunteers who made Loop One such an overwhelming success.

We wish the IBU and the Aussie Team all the very best for the season.  And if this season "opener" is any indication, then we're convinced it'll be a great one. 

Ski Fast, Shoot Straight, Go AUS

David, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Kat, Kate, Mark & Murray