“It’s really a shame”
Biathlon star cancels participation in new event
Updated 10/16/2025 – 5:09 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Franziska Preuß was actually supposed to be one of the big stars at the premiere of a new biathlon format. Nothing will come of it now.
The premiere of the new biathlon format Loop One Festival in Munich attracts a lot of attention – but one of the most famous German athletes will not be there. Franziska Preuß had to cancel her participation at short notice.
The 31-year-old had surgery on her left hand after a fall. The healing is going according to plan and she was able to resume training without a long break. But the injury continues to cause her problems when shooting from a standing position. A competition start is therefore not yet possible. Preuß will be replaced by Anna Weidel, as the German Ski Association announced.
It was “really a shame” that she couldn’t be at the premiere event. “I was really looking forward to it because I’m sure that the atmosphere in the Olympic Park will be unique. Unfortunately, the competition comes two weeks too early for me to be able to stand at the starting line with full commitment again,” said Preuss, according to the announcement.
New format in Munich – action, show and super sprint
With the Loop One Festival, the World Biathlon Federation IBU in Munich is launching a new format that is more focused on speed and excitement. The aim is to reach new target groups and, above all, to get younger audiences excited about the sport.
On Sunday from 11 a.m. 60 men and 60 women will take part in four heats each. The so-called Super Sprint focuses on time and excitement – but without World Cup points. The skiing takes place without snow on roller skis and the shooting takes place with small-caliber rifles, just like in the World Cup. A temporary shooting range with 15 lanes is being built on part of the lake in the Olympic Park.
Top international athletes such as Norway’s Sturla Holm Lægreid have confirmed their participation. The overall World Cup winner is one of the stars of the festival, which is also of sporting importance as the start of the Olympic season – despite the lack of scoring points.