Pedalling passion meets precision shooting: Biathlon celebrates with the Giro d’Italia

More than 170 participants, the vast majority of them children and young people under the age of 15, took part in the “Biathlon Meets the Giro d’Italia” event held in Aviano yesterday, 29 May, as part of celebrations surrounding the International Biathlon Day (IBD).

The event, organised to introduce young people and families to the sport of biathlon, attracted around 150 children and teenagers throughout the day. A dedicated biathlon stand remained open from 9.30 a.m. until 6.00 p.m., where 12 volunteers guided participants through the fundamentals of the sport using ten shooting lanes and a specially designed agility course.

School groups played a significant role in the event’s success, with classes from two local schools taking part in the activities. During the afternoon, young athletes from the Panorama Ski Club of Pordenone and the Orsago Ski Club also joined in. For many of them, it was their first opportunity to experience biathlon, having previously focused exclusively on cross-country skiing within their clubs.

Alongside these organised groups, numerous children and young people attended with their families, contributing to a lively and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day.

Participants began by learning the basics of shooting technique and target accuracy before progressing to a combined challenge that paired shooting with an agility course. This format allowed them to experience the unique demands of biathlon shooting, demonstrating the difficulty of maintaining precision while dealing with fatigue, an elevated heart rate and shortness of breath.

Many groups then took part in relay competitions, where teams raced through obstacle-course sections, laser-rifle shooting stages and penalty loops for missed targets. The format ensured close competition and plenty of excitement through to the finish line. As a memento of the day, every participant received a commemorative event sticker.

The event was attended by several local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Aviano, the Deputy Mayor, the Councillor for Associations, Culture, Sport and Tourism, and the Mayor of Sacile. The officials greeted participants and even tested their own shooting skills using laser rifles.

Representing the Italian Winter Sports Federation’s biathlon sector were Technical Director Klaus Höllrigl, Olympic and World Championship medallist and Junior National Team coach Dominik Windisch, and National Team athlete Nicola Romanin, who served as ambassadors for the event.

The day successfully combined sport, education and community engagement, offering young people a unique introduction to biathlon while promoting participation, inclusion and healthy lifestyles. With enthusiastic attendance and strong support from local institutions and the biathlon community, “Biathlon Meets the Giro d’Italia” proved to be a memorable celebration of International Biathlon Day.