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Perrot, Vittozzi Win as IBU’s Urban Biathlon Debuts in Munich to Big Crowds

The IBU now launches a two-year trial to test an urban, snow-free format aimed at new audiences.

Overview

  • France’s Eric Perrot won the men’s Super Sprint and Italy’s Lisa Vittozzi took the women’s race, with Germany’s Justus Strelow finishing third and Anna Weidel fourth.
  • Organizers reported more than 11,000 spectators on race day, with coverage citing thousands more across the weekend in Munich’s Olympiapark.
  • The pilot used skirollers on 1.8 km laps with a temporary 15-lane shooting range built over the Olympiasee, and it awarded no World Cup points.
  • The IBU invested roughly €2 million and plans three editions before evaluating whether the concept helps grow younger fan bases and complements winters with less reliable snow.
  • A one-minute applause honored the late Laura Dahlmeier, and athletes and broadcasters, including Arnd Peiffer and Erik Lesser, praised the format and atmosphere.