The first biathlon event of the summer season will take place in less than two weeks: the 14th edition of the Frassinoro Summer Biathlon Festival will take place in Emilia-Romagna on June 27th. Numerous top nations have announced their participation, only one country is not sending its athletes to the competitions. The organizers are disappointed.
As the organizers revealed to “Nordic Magazine”, biathletes from Italy, Germany, Norway, the USA, Slovenia, Finland, Croatia, Bulgaria and Estonia are expected in Frassinoro. However, specific names are not yet known.
Conversely, this means that once again no stars from France will take part. “Unfortunately, it is still very difficult to get them to participate in a small, little-known event like ours,” the organizers said with disappointment.
And that, “although the dates of the national training camps would definitely allow the French athletes to take part in Frassinoro,” it continued.
The organizers said they hope for the future that “step by step” we will “reach the point” at which “at least one French athlete is at the start.”
Julia Simon proved in 2024 that the French biathlon professionals fundamentally value the event. During a visit to Frassinoro, the ten-time world champion wore one of the festival’s sweatshirts, which gave her an even warmer reception.
Colorful program for the biathlon summer
The event in Italy has long since become an integral part of the biathlon summer program. The town of Frassinoro has been in a state of emergency for three days.
This year too, biathletes and fans alike will be offered a colorful mix of sport and fun. A trail run has been announced, as has a DJ set in the evening. The so-called “Food Village” takes care of your physical well-being.
And then there is the “Beerathlon” on Saturday, where people celebrate with German beer. That the French are missing out on this…