European Racing Update
Racing the Sprint race on a windy and snowy day in Arber, Germany during Open European Champs
Happy New Year!
This update comes from the hotel lobby at the World Cup venue in Nove Mesto Na Moré, Czech Republic. The past month has flown by in a whirlwind of travel and racing. I flew to Europe a month ago and each week has been a new country and new race venue. It is an incredible experience, the years of work are an easy trade for wearing a US race suit and racing against the world’s national teams.
The competition is fierce, unlike anything I’ve experienced in the US as a biathlete. Each venue has incredible facilities with permanent stadiums and courses in place year-round (paved for dryland roller ski races) and most with grand stands for spectators. I am learning so much while here and adding to the strong foundation I have built through training as it is tested in every race.
With strong performances in January’s races, I have now been named to the team staying in Europe for the rest of the season, racing for US Biathlon on the IBU Cup, coming home in mid March! It is a dream come true to be a part of this team. Truly a dream come true. Thank you all so much for your support of this dream. I couldn’t have done it without you.
The next races begin tomorrow here in the Czech Republic. Then a 2.5 week training break during the Olympic Games followed by races in Switzerland and Italy. Definitely watch the Biathlon events in the Olympics, they are obviously the coolest events to watch - you can watch them on NBC or on Peacock TV. The schedule is linked below. Look for my next update after the Olympics!
Shooting a standing stage in the 20km individual in Germany
Racing up the climb out of the stadium in the same race, Germany
Note on following Biathlon throughout the season:
The best way to follow the sport of Biathlon is to download the International Biathlon Union app for your phone. It is a great app, easy to understand and use. Below are the links for iPhone and Google Play. If you are interested at any level in the sport of Biathlon, get this app, it has much more than results. If you are looking to follow me specifically, remember I am racing the IBU Cup this season, so you have to select that race schedule.
Happy February everyone. And thank you again for your support. Enjoy the Olympics!