To kick off the season with flair, the International Biathlon Union has called on the world’s best to take part in super sprints on October 19 in Munich.
Created this year by the IBU, the Loop One Festival has already stirred debate within the biathlon community. The main criticism concerns the timing: mid-October is usually reserved for altitude camps for the top nations, and teams have had no choice but to adjust to the federation’s demands, which sees the festival as a grand opening to the season.
“I would have preferred to stay in the mountains. Our camp is less optimal now because of a two-day trip to Munich. But we don’t have a choice, they are forcing us,” Sturla Laegreid told TV2.
Ingrid Tandrevold added: “It’s no secret that many athletes were sceptical about this new event in mid-October, right in the middle of our altitude training camp, and even more so in an Olympic season.”
The Norwegian women’s team coach, Sverre Huber Kaas, was more positive: “Losing one day in the mountains is not a big issue. But there are many travels and the risk of getting sick around the event. On the other hand, from a sporting perspective it will be a good test and useful experience.”
The Loop One Festival is designed as a festive, media-friendly rendezvous before winter. The IBU wants to make it an annual event, somewhere between show, competition and biathlon promotion.
