Welcome to Latvia and to the IBU Junior Cup 2026!

Latvia is proud to host the next generation of biathlon talent at the IBU Junior Cup 2026 in Madona – a place where sport meets nature.

Latvia is one of the three Baltic states, located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania. With a population of around 1.8 million and a territory of 64,589 km², it is one of Europe’s greenest countries – over half of its land is covered by forest, and the coastline stretches nearly 500 km.

The capital city is Riga – known for its art nouveau architecture and vibrant cultural life. Latvian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially among the younger generation.

Latvia has a rich and unique cultural heritage. As one of the last regions in Europe to adopt Christianity, many ancient traditions are still alive today – like celebrating Midsummer (Jāņi) by leaping over bonfires and wearing wreaths made of flowers or oak leaves.

Latvians are closely connected to nature – foraging, fishing, and harvesting are still a part of everyday life. In spring, locals tap birch trees for their refreshing sap; in summer, forests are full of berries; and in autumn, mushroom picking becomes a national obsession.

Latvia is a proud member of the European Union, NATO, the Schengen Area, and the Eurozone. It ranks high in global indexes for quality of life, safety, freedom, and digital accessibility.

We invite you to enjoy the peaceful landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, fresh local food, and warm hospitality while you’re here for the IBU Junior Cup 2026.

Official tourism information available: Visit Latvia.

Welcome to Madona – the Winter Capital of Latvia!

Madona is a scenic town in the Vidzeme region of eastern Latvia, located about 170 km from the capital Riga and around 180 km from Riga International Airport. It is the heart of the Madona municipality – a place known for its pristine nature, sports traditions, and warm hospitality.

Often referred to as the winter capital of Latvia, Madona offers excellent conditions for outdoor sports all year round. Surrounded by hills, forests, and open landscapes, the area features a well-developed network of trails for cross-country skiing, rollerskiing, cycling, running, and hiking.

Madona is home to Smeceres sils Sports and Recreation Centre, one of the leading Nordic ski and biathlon venues in the Baltics. It has hosted numerous national and international competitions, including the IBU Junior Open European Championships 2023, and now welcomes the IBU Junior Cup 2026.

The region is a true playground for athletes and nature lovers alike. Events in biathlon, cross-country skiing, orienteering (both winter and summer), trail running, cycling, dog sledding, and more are regularly held here.

Whether you’re here to compete, support your team, or simply explore – Madona offers a unique mix of sports, nature, and local charm.

More information: Visit Madona

Smeceres sils – Latvia’s Premier Nordic Sports Venue

The hilly terrain around Madona and its long tradition of snowy winters have made this region a natural home for winter sports. Over the decades, Smeceres sils has grown into one of the most important cross-country skiing and biathlon centres in the Baltics.

From Soviet Roots to International Recognition

Development of the Smeceres sils Sports and Recreation Centre began in the 1980s, during a period when skiing and biathlon flourished across the Soviet Union. A major turning point came in 2002, when the first modern track grooming machine was acquired. This marked the start of a new era of infrastructure improvement and international ambitions.

In 2019, a modern biathlon shooting range with 30 illuminated mechanical targets was built – meeting the full requirements of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and enabling the organisation of top-tier competitions.

Year-Round Training and Competition

During the winter season, Smeceres sils offers an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails – for professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts alike. When natural snowfall is abundant, trail length exceeds 50 km. A three-kilometre illuminated track with artificial snow ensures reliable skiing conditions from early December to April, and since 2021, a snow deposit system allows for an even earlier start to the season.

Smeceres sils is not only a national training hub – it’s also an internationally recognised venue. Events hosted include:

• World Cup in Winter Orienteering (2006)

• Scandinavian Cup cross-country skiing (since 2011)

• European Championship and World Junior & Veteran Championships in Ski Orienteering (2013)

• FIS World Championships in Roller Skiing (2019)

• IBU Junior Open European Championships (2023)

In 2023, Smeceres sils successfully hosted three back-to-back international championships just weeks before the biathlon event:

• European Ski Orienteering Championships

• Junior World Ski Orienteering Championships

• European Youth Ski Orienteering Championships

Now, in 2026, Smeceres sils proudly returns to the IBU calendar as the host of the IBU Junior Cup – welcoming the next generation of world-class biathletes.

Local Heroes

Smeceres sils is the home training ground for many of Latvia’s top winter athletes. Olympians and World Championship participants such as:

• Ivars Silups, Gundars Upenieks, Raivis Zīmelis (biathlon)

• Kitija Auziņa, Roberts Raimo, Rinalds Kostyukovs, and Raimo Vīgants (cross-country skiing)

have trained and competed here.