Arber 2026: Youth and Junior Biathlon World Championships Set to Showcase Next Generation
The 30th edition of the Youth and Junior Biathlon World Championships is scheduled to take place in Arber, Germany, from February 23rd to March 8th, 2026, at the Hohenzollern Skistadion. This marks only the second time Germany has hosted the championships, following Ruhpolding in 2008.
Competition Overview
Over eight competition days, approximately 500 athletes from 40 National Federations will compete for medals and international experience. A total of 18 competitions will be held, including:
- 6 individual competitions for Youth
- 6 individual competitions for Juniors
- 3 relay competitions for Youth
- 3 relay competitions for Juniors
The competition program includes individual races, sprints, Mass Start 60 events, and relays. The detailed schedule is available online.
Athletes to Watch
Several athletes are expected to be strong contenders at the championships. Thomas March (AUT) and Tetiana Tarasiuk (UKR) arrive as leading contenders in their respective categories, having been the overall Junior Cup total score leaders.
Gold medalists from the 2025 Youth & Junior World Championships in Östersund, including Ilona Plecháčová (CZE), Leo Carlier (FRA), Kasper Kalkenberg (NOR), Martine Skog (NOR), Louise Roguet (FRA), and Lukas Tannheimer (GER), will also be competing. some young athletes bring recent Olympic experience, adding to the competitive field.
Event Details
The IBU Youth and Junior World Championships will be held from February 23rd to March 8th, 2026, at the ARBER Hohenzollern Ski Stadium.
Live Streaming
All competitions will be live-streamed on biathlonworld.com and eurovisionsport.com.
Medal Summary (as of February 25, 2026)
According to preliminary results, as of February 25, 2026, the medal standings are as follows:
- Latvia: 2 Gold, 0 Silver, 0 Bronze
- France: 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze
- Austria: 1 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Slovakia: 1 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze
- Sweden: 1 Gold, 0 Silver, 1 Bronze