Nearly 20,000 passionate biathlon fans gathered at the Südtirol Arena in Anterselva, Italy, creating an electrifying atmosphere during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Their fervor reached a peak on February 9, 2026, as spectators prepared for the men’s 15-kilometer mass start race, the final opportunity for male athletes to secure medals in this Olympic cycle.
Dressed in an array of colorful costumes, including Norwegian Viking helmets, French chicken suits, and German fuzzy hats in national colors, fans enthusiastically sang songs and chanted the names of their heroes. Among the loudest cheers was a group of French supporters, who joyfully celebrated Eric Perrot, waving a cut-out of his face. Perrot, who has already secured two gold medals and one silver in the Games, was a focal point of the crowd’s excitement.
Support extended beyond national rivalries, as Oystein Saeterdal of Bergen, Norway, highlighted the camaraderie shared among fans. Standing with Swedish supporters, he remarked, “It’s the biathlon family. It’s another atmosphere. I go to football matches in England, and it’s not like this. We’re all friends. That’s why it’s so special.”
The atmosphere during the races is electric. As the lead biathlete approaches the shooting range, the crowd erupts into cheers, falling silent just before the first shot. Each hit is met with a collective cheer, while misses draw a disappointed sigh. The loudest roars are reserved for Italian and German athletes, but the supportive crowd rallies behind every competitor.
Biathlon enjoys significant popularity across Europe, and the Olympic races in Anterselva take place at a well-established venue known for accommodating large crowds. The Südtirol Arena, located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, has a spectator capacity that surpasses all other venues in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. It is expected to host approximately 200,000 fans throughout the event.
Fans have traveled from far and wide to witness the thrilling competition. Allan and Mallory Ayers, visiting from Bentonville, Arkansas, expressed their delight with the stunning views at the Anterselva venue. Meanwhile, German fan Alois Aschenbrenner recounted the journey he and his friends undertook, driving eight hours through a blizzard and navigating shuttle buses to attend the mass start race. “It was worth it,” he declared. “We give a cheer to everybody.”
As the excitement builds for the Olympic events, the passion of the biathlon fans in Anterselva continues to shine, demonstrating the unique spirit and community found within this exhilarating sport.
