IBU Cup overall champions to be crowned in Otepää this March

From March 6 to 15, 2025, Otepää will be the centre of the biathlon world as it hosts the decisive final stages of the IBU Cup. With over 250 athletes competing at Tehvandi Sports Center, the event will determine the overall champions of the season.

The penultimate stage of the season, held during the first week of competition in Otepää, will

feature a sprint, pursuit, and mass start. The final week, marking the last stage of the

season, will include a short individual race, sprint, and mixed relays. “The IBU Cup serves as

a satellite series to the BMW IBU World Cup, primarily featuring the next generation of

national A-teams. However, among the Norwegian competitors, for instance, there will also

be world-class athletes, some of whom have stood on the World Cup podium,” noted

Hillar Zahkna, Chairman of the Competition Committee.

IBU Cup competitions offer spectators a world-class biathlon experience. Photo: Reiko Kolatsk.

Just like the Nordic Combined World Cup, the biggest challenge in hosting the IBU Cup in

Otepää is ensuring enough snow. “Tehvandi Sports Center has worked tirelessly, producing

snow day and night as soon as freezing temperatures arrived,” said Hillar Zahkna. He emphasized that since the competitions will be held in March—when temperatures could rise

again—having a sufficient snow reserve is essential for maintaining and improving the tracks

and stadium as needed.

Otepää is set to host two major biathlon events—first, the BMW IBU World Cup in March

2026, followed by the IBU World Championships in 2027. “Every event leading up to 2027 is

a crucial step in our journey. Organizing international biathlon competitions has strengthened

our collaboration with partners, allowed us to test new solutions, and ensured key

investments are in place,” said Aivar Nigol, Chairman of the Organizing Committee.

Tehvandi Sports Center has made significant improvements, including upgrades to the

shooting range and tracks, enhanced broadcasting infrastructure, and the construction of a

new multifunctional service center.

The IBU Cup races in Otepää will be open to all spectators free of charge. “Spectators play a

key role in shaping the special atmosphere of every race. We invite all fans to come and

cheer for the athletes, making the final stage of the biathlon season truly unforgettable,” said

Aivar Nigol. Spectators can watch the races from the grandstands or along the course.