Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics: biathlon returns to competition today in Antholz

The biathlon, one of the most spectacular disciplines of the Winter Olympics, makes a comeback. today in Antholz, the heart of the cross-country skiing shooting competitions of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics. After the start of competitions with curling, downhill skiing and other sports, the eyes of fans are on the slopes and shooting range of the Biathlon Arena Antholz, where the test scheduled for today's Olympic program takes place.

Where to run and why Antholz is special

La Biathlon Arena Antholz, in South Tyrol, is one of the most iconic venues for international biathlon and hosts all biathlon competitions of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics: from sprints and pursuits to mixed and individual relays. This arena has been renovated for the Games, with a spectacular track and a modern shooting range designed for both top technical performance and spectator experience.

The resort has already hosted numerous World Cup stages, attracting a passionate international audience and confirming its importance in the biathlon universe.

Today's program

According to the official calendar of the Olympics, previous announcements indicate that. Biathlon is on the schedule today with at least one significant race, part of the sequence of events covering different specialties such as sprint, individual and relay.

Biathlon competitions will be held between the’February 8 and 21, 2026 in Anterselva, with eleven official events including individual, sprint, relay and mass start.

The exact times of day may vary depending on weather conditions and television organization, but generally biathlon trials begin in the middle hours or early afternoon to make the most of light and temperature during the trial.

The bluebirds to watch out for

Italy has built a competitive and ambitious biathlon team for these Games. Athletes like Thomas Giacomel e Dorothea Wierer are among the most anticipated faces: Giacomel, a young Italian talent, arrives with excellent seasonal performances and is aiming for a strong result in today's event as well. Wierer, on the other hand, is one of the top veterans, with experience and medals in major international events, ready to put on a show on the South Tyrolean snows.

At home in Italy, however, the Olympic adventure in biathlon also had a discordant note: in recent days, young Rebecca Passler tested positive in an out-of-competition doping test and will not participate in the competitions, an absence that has stirred up controversy in the national sports environment.

What to expect from today's race

The biathlon combines cross-country skiing e shooting, requiring athletes a unique mix of physical endurance and mental focus. Any mistake at the range can cost valuable seconds or penalty laps, swinging rankings quickly.

In today's scheduled race, the athletes will try to:

• To better manage ski rhythm and shooting accuracy
• Keeping a cool head in the closing stages
• Gaining positions ahead of subsequent trials

Many Nordic and European nations (such as Norway, Sweden, France, and Germany) arrive with strong teams and top results, with the United States and other countries poised to surprise throughout the tournament.

How to follow the race

Biathlon competitions are broadcast live or delayed by the official broadcasters of the Olympic Games. In Italy, Rai and other national networks offer live coverage of the main races, with technical commentary and focus on the Azzurri. In addition, many international platforms (including dedicated streaming services) make it possible to follow every development in real time.

Why biathlon is one of the most watched sports

Biathlon combines Speed, precision and psychological tension: athletes must alternate between pushing through snowy curves and the calmness needed to hit distant targets at the range. This mix makes it one of the most unpredictable and spectacular sports of the Games.

Today, with the competition underway, fans of Milan Cortina 2026 will be able to experience strong emotions, following every ski shot and every shot that can decide medals and ranking positions.