The Biathlon World Championships 2025 are set to take place at the Biathlon Arena Lenzerheide, Switzerland, from February 12 to February 23, marking the first time the event is held at this stunning venue.
With the Biathlon Arena being Switzerland's largest biathlon stadium at 1400 meters above sea level, athletes from 34 nations are preparing for twelve thrilling races over the course of nine days. The expected spotlight on skiing and shooting excellence heightens the stakes and excitement for competitors and fans alike.
This prestigious championship kicks off on February 12 with the Mixed Relay event, followed by various races including Sprints, Pursuits, and Mass Starts throughout the duration of the tournament. According to reports, the schedule is as follows:
- February 12: Mixed Relay - 14:30
- February 14: Women's Sprint - 15:05
- February 15: Men's Sprint - 15:05
- February 16: Women's Pursuit - 12:05
- February 16: Men's Pursuit - 15:05
- February 18: Women's Individual - 15:05
- February 19: Men's Individual - 15:05
- February 20: Single Mixed Relay - 16:05
- February 22: Women's Relay - 12:05
- February 22: Men's Relay - 15:05
- February 23: Women's Mass Start - 13:45
- February 23: Men's Mass Start - 16:05
With twelve titles up for grabs across seven disciplines, the competition will be fierce. The medals will be awarded based on the hierarchy of Gold, Silver, and Bronze, with overall medal count being of secondary concern.
The German team has announced ten athletes, including prominent names like Franziska Preuß and Selina Grotian. Despite promising performances during the season, they will compete without the hopeful presence of Vanessa Voigt, who has withdrawn due to health issues following respiratory infections. Preuß, leading the women's group and ranked first in the World Cup, will be key to Germany's ambitions of medal contention. Her teammate, Grotian, also carries potential for success as she ranks seventh overall leading up to the championships.
Though the men's side has more experience with notable athletes like Johannes Kühn and Justus Strelow, they struggled with shooting at recent events. Germany's notable absence of medals at the preceding world cups adds pressure yet might also offer the team freedom to aim for podium finishes without the heavy expectations prevalent among previous leading squads.
Former German champion Arnd Peiffer, now analyst for biathlon coverage, shared his insights on the current state of the team. He believes the downhill trend observed among the men's competitors leads to valuable opportunities, indicating, “They have nothing to lose. The championships provide the chance to seize every race without the weight of World Cup points.”
The event will not contribute to the overall World Cup standings, emphasizing its unique competitive nature. Fans can catch the action live as it will be broadcast across key channels including ARD, ZDF, and Eurosport, alongside streamed coverage on platforms like Joyn.
Tickets for events are still available for purchase, contributing to the expected vibrant atmosphere at the Roland Arena. Adult tickets start at 18 Swiss Francs, ensuring accessibility for all Biathlon enthusiasts eager to witness world-class performances firsthand.
The Biathlon World Championships 2025 not only celebrate athleticism but also the fascinating mix of pressure and prestige as the world’s best biathletes compete. With athletes such as Preuß and Grotian ready to step to the forefront, there’s no shortage of excitement surrounding this remarkable sporting event.