Italian Biathlon Championships

The Italian finale in Val Martello

The Italian Biathlon Championships (Italienmeisterschaft Biathlon) represent the grand finale of the national season, held at the Grogg Biathlon Centre in the scenic Val Martello, within the municipality of Martello/Martell, in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Trentino-South Tyrol). Located at the end of the valley, at the foot of the Ortler-Cevedale group in the Stelvio National Park, the facility is one of Italy's most renowned shooting ranges and regularly hosts international competitions such as the IBU Junior Cup and the European Championships.

Two days of racing

The program spans two intense days. Saturday is dedicated to mixed relays for youth categories (Aspirants, Youth, and Junior) and the Senior sprint in the early afternoon, covering distances of 7.5 km for women and 10 km for men. Sunday is the day for mass starts, with races following one another from the youngest categories up to Junior and Senior, both men and women.

Titles at stake

Over the two days, Italian Champion titles are awarded in various disciplines and categories, in an event that officially closes the competitive season for Italian biathlon. The races also serve as the final stage of the Coppa Italia Fiocchi, adding further excitement to the competition.

Stars of Italian biathlon

The event attracts the best of the Italian circuit, featuring athletes fresh from the World Cup alongside promising young talents. Over the years, the Martello shooting range has hosted top-tier champions such as Lisa Vittozzi, Didier Bionaz, Rebecca Passler, Hannah Auchentaller, Linda and David Zingerle, Lukas Hofer, and many other representatives of the military sports groups.

An event open to the public

Admission to the Grogg Biathlon Centre is free for spectators, who can watch the races up close in an exceptional natural setting. Award ceremonies take place at the biathlon centre, with the Saturday evening ceremony followed by an end-of-season party. The event is organized by the biathlon section of the Martello sports club, which has been active in the valley since 1992.