Pokljuka was a battle with nature. The long preparations for the BMW IBU World Cup Pokljuka 2025 were seriously tested this week. Although there was no public panic, it was clear to everyone at Rudno polje that the race was seriously threatened after heavy rainfall that melted the snow surface over the past four days.
Once again, it was primarily the numerous volunteers, even with night shifts, who proved that they are wholeheartedly dedicated to biathlon in Pokljuka and that they live by our motto “Slovenia for Biathlon.”
For the workers in Pokljuka, who are also among the most passionate fans of the home team, the reward came in the form of Jakov Fak’s victory, the first for Slovenia in a decade and the first in 12 years on home soil.
The winter had been modest in snow, but old reserves and new snow created during cold days were enough to prepare the tracks, where the world-class biathlon elite would compete for World Cup points. During the competition week, Pokljuka was ready to host 280 competitors from 28 countries, decorated and already praised by representatives of the International Biathlon Union for the excellent quality of various segments.
However, on Monday, the plateau in the heart of the Triglav National Park was hit by continuous rainfall. This flooded the tracks, created real lakes in lower-lying areas, the snow melted, and the course was damaged by a mixture of water and rain that clogged the drains. It wasn’t until Thursday morning, when a fresh layer of 10 cm of snow provided at least a scenic backdrop, that the rain had severely damaged the prepared venue.
Each in their own field, even with the reduction in the number of tracks and changes to the schedule, Pokljuka tackled the challenge of saving the race and battling nature. This pushed the challenge to the edge of what was possible.
“The organisational task was really huge. The organising committee did an excellent job adjusting to the new conditions so that we could carry out the race. Huge thanks to everyone who solved the issues on the field and, at times, even with superhuman efforts helped us ensure the race went ahead,” said Tim Farčnik, the Secretary General of the organising committee.
“After we had everything nearly ready, the rain poured down on the venue for four days. The water began to seep onto the snow stadium, and we had to pump out water from the course with submersible pumps at seven different sections. We did this day and night so that the water wouldn’t wash away the snow. But we didn’t give up—volunteers did this with joy and enthusiasm so that we could host the race,” Farčnik added.
“Paths had to be reorganised, which is why seven snowmobiles with snow cutters were brought to Pokljuka. We had to transport and arrange 6,000 cubic metres of snow, spread it over the Pokljuka tracks, and prepare them. So a big thanks to everyone, without the team we have, we couldn’t have managed this,” Farčnik explained further.
The difficulties weren’t over yet. On Thursday morning, the snow removal effort continued, followed by the clearing of more than 10 cm of freshly fallen snow from the tracks and venue, but the Pokljuka team managed to win the race against time and conditions. Perhaps a good director could make a movie about the team of workers who worked tirelessly day and night on drainage, about the ones on duty at night clearing drains, and those who were shoveling snow and preparing the tracks… It would end with a fairytale-like victory for the best competitor and member of the Pokljuka Sports Club – Jakov Fak.
For Jakov Fak and, of course, all the others, Pokljuka is being prepared again this weekend, as the competitors face four more challenges.
