Almost 20,000 biathlon fans filled the stands and lined the ski tracks at the Anterselva biathlon arena, creating an electrifying atmosphere during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Their cheers and chants reached deafening levels, particularly as they prepared for the men’s 15-kilometer mass start race on March 10, 2026, the final opportunity for male athletes to earn medals in this Olympic cycle.
Spectators donned a variety of colorful costumes, including Norwegian Viking helmets, French chicken suits, and German fuzzy hats in national colors. They painted their faces, draped flags around their shoulders, and enthusiastically sang songs like “YMCA” while chanting the names of their favorite athletes. A group of French supporters, wearing blue, white, and red hats, led a spirited chant for Eric Perrot, who has already secured two gold and one silver medal in the Games.
Among the crowd, Oystein Saeterdal from Bergen, Norway, proudly wore a Norwegian flag suit while mingling with Swedish fans dressed in yellow and blue. Despite the competitive nature of the biathlon, he emphasized the camaraderie that exists among fans, stating, “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.”
As each race unfolded, the crowd demonstrated their passion. When the leading biathlete approached the shooting range, a wave of cheers erupted. The spectators fell silent before the first shot, erupting into cheers with each successful hit and gasping collectively when a shot missed the target. While Italian and German athletes received the loudest cheers, the audience showed unwavering support for all competitors who navigated the challenging course.
The Südtirol Arena in Anterselva is renowned for hosting biathlon events and has become a staple on the World Cup circuit. Set at an altitude of 5,200 feet (1,600 meters), it rests in a picturesque valley, surrounded by snow-covered peaks near the Austrian border. This venue boasts the highest spectator capacity of the entire Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with expectations to welcome close to 200,000 fans throughout the event.
Fans traveled from around the world to witness the Olympic excitement. Allan and Mallory Ayers journeyed from Bentonville, Arkansas, expressing their delight in the view from the Anterselva venue, which they described as the best they had experienced. Meanwhile, German fan Alois Aschenbrenner recounted the lengths his group went to attend the mass start race, including an eight-hour drive through a blizzard, two shuttle bus rides, and a 15-minute walk. “It was worth it,” he remarked, adding, “We give a cheer to everybody.”
As the competition continues, the spirit of the fans remains a defining feature of the Winter Olympics, with their energy and enthusiasm serving as a testament to the communal joy that this sport brings. The camaraderie among fans and the thrill of the races promise to make the remaining events unforgettable.
