Hubert Leitgeb Cup

A celebration of youth biathlon in Val Martello

The Hubert Leitgeb Cup, supported by Raiffeisen, is one of the most anticipated events of the South Tyrolean winter biathlon season. The competition takes place at the Grogg Biathlon Center, in the heart of Val Martello, at the end of a stunning side valley of the Vinschgau, in the municipality of Martell, in the province of Bolzano (Trentino-South Tyrol). Nestled in an amphitheater of mountains rising toward the Ortler-Cevedale group, the facility is one of the most renowned biathlon centers in the Alps and regularly hosts national team training sessions and international races.

Who was Hubert Leitgeb

The event is dedicated to the memory of Hubert Leitgeb (1965-2012), a South Tyrolean biathlete who represented Italy in two Olympic Games and won medals at the World Championships. After retiring from professional competition, he became a coach and later the race director for the Anterselva World Cup events. He passed away tragically in February 2012, caught in an avalanche near the Staller Saddle. By naming this youth cup after him, South Tyrol keeps the memory of one of its most beloved athletes alive and passes on the values of the sport he practiced to the younger generation.

Categories and competition

The Hubert Leitgeb Cup attracts over 140 young athletes from ski and biathlon clubs across South Tyrol. The competition categories are:

• U9 (Baby) — the youngest participants, taking their first steps with skis and rifles;
• U11 (Cuccioli);
• U13 (Ragazzi);
• U15 (Allievi).

As in adult biathlon, the format combines cross-country skiing with shooting sessions: every miss at the target results in a penalty loop or time penalties, teaching young athletes to manage fatigue, concentration, and precision from an early age. The cup also includes the provincial championships for students and young prospects.

Atmosphere and surroundings

The race day is a true community celebration: families, coaches, and fans gather along the track and at the shooting range to cheer on the young athletes, often under bright sunshine and on perfectly groomed snow. Val Martello, with its snowy landscapes and the tranquility of its hamlets, provides the ideal setting for introducing children to winter sports and for visitors who love the authentic mountains of South Tyrol.