The 2025/26 Biathlon World Cup is set to capture global attention, running from November 29, 2025 to March 22, 2026. This season will feature significant changes, including the unexpected retirement of five-time champion Johannes Thingnes Bø and the much-anticipated comeback of Italian athlete Lisa Vittozzi. Fans can look forward to a thrilling series of events, with opportunities to watch the competition live, including free streaming options.
The Biathlon World Cup will be broadcasted live in several regions, with free coverage available through Eurovision Sport and Biathlon World in most countries, excluding France and Norway. For viewers outside their home countries, utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) may provide access to these streams at no cost.
Key Competitors and Changes in the Lineup
The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically with Bø’s retirement, a move that prioritizes family over sport. His absence opens the door for other athletes, notably Sturla Holm Laegreid, who claimed his first Big Crystal Globe last season with a significant margin of 118 points over Bø.
In the previous season, Franziska Preuss emerged victorious in an intense finale, capitalizing on Lou Jeanmonnot‘s misstep in the final race. Preuss captured the overall title despite having fewer individual victories than Jeanmonnot, who finished just 20 points behind her in the standings. Vittozzi, who missed last season due to a back injury, is eager to reclaim her status after winning the Big Crystal Globe in 2023/24.
Viewing Options and Schedule Details
For those interested in watching the Biathlon World Cup, the schedule includes events in various countries. The women’s competitions will kick off in Östersund, Sweden, from December 2-7, featuring an Individual race, Sprint, and Pursuit. The men’s events will follow, also starting in Östersund from December 3-7.
The full schedule is as follows:
**Women’s Events:**
– December 2-7: Östersund, Sweden (Individual, Sprint, Pursuit)
– December 12-13: Hochfilzen, Austria (Sprint, Pursuit)
– December 18-21: Annecy–Le Grand-Bornand, France (Sprint, Pursuit, Mass Start)
– January 9-11: Oberhof, Germany (Sprint, Pursuit)
– January 16-18: Ruhpolding, Germany (Sprint, Pursuit)
– January 23-25: Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic (Short Individual, Mass Start)
– February 11-21: Winter Olympics (results do not contribute to Biathlon World Cup)
– March 5-8: Kontiolahti, Finland (Individual, Mass Start)
– March 13-14: Otepää, Estonia (Sprint, Pursuit)
– March 19-22: Oslo Holmenkollen, Norway (Sprint, Pursuit, Mass Start)
**Men’s Events:**
– December 3-7: Östersund, Sweden (Individual, Sprint, Pursuit)
– December 12-13: Hochfilzen, Austria (Sprint, Pursuit)
– December 19-21: Annecy–Le Grand-Bornand, France (Sprint, Pursuit, Mass Start)
– January 8-12: Oberhof, Germany (Sprint, Pursuit)
– January 17-18: Ruhpolding, Germany (Sprint, Pursuit)
– January 22-25: Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic (Short Individual, Mass Start)
– February 10-20: Winter Olympics (results do not contribute to Biathlon World Cup)
– March 6-8: Kontiolahti, Finland (Individual, Mass Start)
– March 12-14: Otepää, Estonia (Sprint, Pursuit)
– March 20-22: Oslo Holmenkollen, Norway (Sprint, Pursuit, Mass Start)
Viewers seeking to catch the action in real-time can register for free streaming options through Eurovision Sport, provided they are located outside of France and Norway. For those traveling or residing in restricted regions, a VPN can facilitate access to the coverage, allowing fans to stay connected to the thrilling Biathlon World Cup events.
