Mt Itasca is hosting Biathlon World Junior Trials on short notice after the event was moved from Anchorage, AK because of no snow.

A hard, perfect track greeted athletes for the 10km Sprint Men, and 7.5km Sprint Women.

Top dogs on the Men’s side were Brian Halligan, MWSC in the Jr Category and Paul Everett, Methow Valley Biathlon in the Youth Men. Top Minnesotans were Jakob Ellingson, Mt Itasca Biathlon, placing 2nd in Jr Men, Cam Christiansen, Nisswa NW, placing 3rd in Youth Men, and Vasek Cervenka placing 10th in Youth Men.

On the Women’s side, Chloe Levins of Mountain Top Nordic (Rutland, VT) placed 1st with one penalty in the Youth Women, with Siena Ellingson, Mt Itasca/LNR, and Amanda Kautzer, Loppet Nordic Racing, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Racing continues on Monday with Pursuit Format, and Sprint Format on Tuesday. World Junior Championship Team Selection will follow the races on Tuesday. The World Junior Championships will take place 17-24 February, in Minsk-Raubichi, Belarus.