The 21-year-old is a five-time Junior World Champion and one of the most promising young talents in the World Cup. However, she is now threatening to retire.

She has five golds and three silvers from the Junior World Championships and has been a regular on the World Cup circuit since the 2024 season. Now, Julia Tannheimer is aiming for her big breakthrough this coming winter. 

But her career may come to a halt before it truly takes off. 

The backdrop is the Loop One event. 

Last weekend, the international season kicked off with an exhilarating public show in the heart of Munich, featuring nearly all the biggest stars. Thousands of spectators experienced the intensity and excitement of summer biathlon. However, behind the scenes, there were rumblings of discontent. 

Also Read: Biathlon World Cup: Calendar for the 2026/2027 winter season

A clear red line

Both athletes and organizers fear that climate change will force the sport to include more roller ski races at the expense of snow and traditional skiing. 

For Julia Tannheimer, this is out of the question. 

“If we have to do roller ski races on asphalt in the winter, then I will retire from biathlon,” the 21-year-old told BR24Sport.

Both the Junior World Champion and many top stars use summer ski competitions as part of their season preparation, important fitness tests, and an opportunity to compete against their rivals. But there is a clear red line. 

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has considered introducing similar events to Loop One. However, FIS wants to incorporate them into the regular World Cup, which has caused significant backlash from leading cross-country skiing figures. 

Read More – Critical of FIS: “This is really not the same sport”

No plans yet

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) does not rule out winter competitions on asphalt but currently has no concrete plans for it. 

“We have made significant advancements in snow production and storage, and we see that for now, we can provide good conditions for elite sports and our events,” said IBU Communications Director Christian Winkler to BR24Sport. 

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