08.01.2026
Imatra to host the IBU Youth & Junior European Championships in biathlon, 19–25 January 2026
The IBU Youth & Junior European Championships in biathlon will be held in Ukonniemi, Imatra, from 19 to 25 January 2026. The four-day competition programme includes individual races, mixed and single mixed relays, sprint competitions and mass starts. The event will be organised by Imatran Urheilijat.
“So far, athletes from 21 countries have registered for the event. A total of 104 athletes are entered in the women’s categories and 110 in the men’s categories,” says Saku Miikki from Imatran Urheilijat.
According to Miikki, preparations for the championships began well in advance, already in February 2025. The preparations are being carried out in accordance with the agreement signed with the International Biathlon Union (IBU). In August, the IBU Junior Cup Race Director conducted an official inspection of the Ukonniemi Stadium.
“Based on the inspection findings, we started planning both the competition areas and the spectator zones at the stadium. At the moment, we are finalising the schedule for the preparatory week before the event and recruiting the remaining volunteers,” Miikki explains.
“There is still time to sign up as a volunteer. Out of the total need for 140 volunteers, around 100 have already been recruited,” he adds.
Long-term development of biathlon conditions in Imatra
Imatra has been working for many years to develop high-quality conditions for biathlon events. In 2022, Ukonniemi Stadium was granted a B licence, enabling the organisation of international competitions. Since receiving the licence, Ukonniemi has hosted four rounds of the international Baltic Biathlon Cup.
“The Youth & Junior European Championships taking place in January are an excellent example of how the city’s investments in Ukonniemi’s sports infrastructure, combined with the long-term commitment of Imatran Urheilijat as an event organiser, bring vitality to the region. The championships will raise Imatra’s profile within the international biathlon community alongside other well-known biathlon destinations,” says Jaakko Jäppinen, Director of Tourism and Marketing for the City of Imatra.
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Source: https://www.imatra.fi/imatralla-hiihdetaan-ampumahiihdon-nuorten-em-kilpailut-19-2512026 (in Finnish)
Picture: City of Imatra