IBU confirms Otepää’s readiness for major biathlon competitions

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) conducted an inspection at the Tehvandi Sports Center and checked the competition venue's readiness to host the 2026 BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon and the 2027 IBU World Championships.

Although many of the renovations needed to organise top-level biathlon competitions were completed at the Tehvandi Sports Center ahead of the 2022 World Cup, the development of the competition centre has continued so that the World Championships can be held in Otepää in the best possible way in 2027. IBU World Cup Race Director Borut Nunar visited Otepää with a delegation and assessed the current state of the competition venue. "Preparations are progressing very well, and I was particularly impressed by the work already done," said Borut Nunar, IBU World Cup Race Director. During the inspection, the shooting range, stadium and tracks were inspected. The organisation of the television broadcast was also discussed with representatives of the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The investments promised during the bid to host the World Championships have now been completed in Otepää. “Tehvandi Sports Center has improved the base of the ski tracks to reduce the amount of artificial snow needed to cover them. In addition, the Kunimäe climb has been brought into compliance with international competition rules, meaning it has been made less steep,” said Hillar Zahkna, Chief of Competition at Otepää Competition Committee. Significant adjustments were made to the shooting range in time for the 2024 Summer Biathlon World Championships already, and the area between the firing line and the targets was adjusted. "However, we also need to create an artificial firing line – a special wooden structure that ensures equal conditions for all athletes, regardless of their shooting position," said Zahkna.

In the autumn of 2025, a new multifunctional hall will be completed at Tehvandi, which will serve as a media centre during competitions. The new hall is designed to accommodate up to 300 media professionals. "Another key improvement is the area designated for broadcast stations, equipped with all the necessary facilities to enable nearly 100 staff from ERR and about 50 from Germany’s ARD to produce high-quality international broadcasts," said Zahkna.

The Chairman of the Otepää Organising Committee, Aivar Nigol, emphasised that the main goal of the organisers is to provide athletes and spectators with a memorable experience, and therefore the IBU recommendations must be followed so that both the World Cup stage and the World Championships could take place properly. “We will continue to work to ensure that the competitions are held at a high international level," said Nigol. In addition to the top-tier sporting event, visitors will also be offered a cultural and leisure program suitable for the whole family. “We aim to offer spectators of all ages a unique cultural experience, along with a variety of local food and products,” said Nigol.

The BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup will be held in Otepää on 12–15 March, 2026. Spectators can purchase a competition pass, weekend pass, or day tickets for Thursday and Friday. For children up to the age of 12, the entrance is free of charge.