Dec 17-19, 2011

Mt. Itasca, Coleraine, MN
Sponsored by Mount Itasca Nordic Ski Association

Tentative Event schedule

Thu, Dec. 15

• Team Arrival
• 10:00am – 2:00 pm Unofficial Training

Fri, Dec. 16

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Official Training
• 10:00 am – 11:30 am Registration – Mt. Itasca Biathlon Headquarters
• 5:00 pm – Coaches Meeting – Mt. Itasca Biathlon Headquarters
• Election of Juries, Draws for Sprint Competition

Sat, Dec.17

• 9:30 am – 10:00 am Registration (MN Cup)/ Bib pick up
• 9:45 am – 9:55 am Opening Ceremony
• 10:00 am – 10:45 am Zero
• 11:00 am Sprint Competition
• 1:00 pm Flower Ceremony

Sun, Dec.18

• 9:30 am – 10:00 am Registration (MN Cup)/ Bib pick up
• 10:00 am – 10:45 am Zero
• 11:00 am Pursuit Format
• 1:00 pm Flower Ceremony

Mon, Dec.19

• 9:00 am – 9:45 am Zero
• 10:00 am Mass Start
• 12:00 pm Flower Ceremony

USBA Standardized Waxing Protocol: Standardized Waxing Protocol will be in effect for all junior and senior athletes taking part in the IBU Cup Trials.

Download the entire invite

2011-2012 NorAm Schedule Final – Word Document

The International Competition Committee reviewed and approved the Youth Olympic Games nominations today.   Athletes nominated to the team will need to sign and adhere to a USBA Training Agreement, and team selections will still be reviewed by the US Olympic Committee until they are considered final.

The US Biathlon Association congratulates the athletes that were named to the Youth Olympic Games Team.  For more information regarding the YOG events, go to: http://www.innsbruck2012.com/en/

Men:

1)    Sean Doherty, Center Conway, NH
2)    Nick Proell, St Cloud, MN
Replacement Athlete:  Jake Prince, Anchorage, AK

Women:
1)    Anna Kubek, Duluth, MN
2)    Alexandra Zakrzewska, Burlington, VT
Replacement Athlete: Mikaela Paluszek, Gunstock, NH

Schedule and Application

Summer 2011

Goals for USBA Camps
Looking for Top Results at the Olympics and World Cup

The U.S.Biathlon Association has had a long history of recruiting talented and motivated athletes and helping them become world class biathletes.  Currently our men’s team is ranked 10^th in the world, with all 4 of our top men regularly finishing in the top 40 in the world.  Tim Burke, our top athlete this year, wore the yellow bib (# 1 World Cup ranking) for several weeks prior to the Olympic Games.  We are looking toward 2014 and 2018 Olympics with excitement, and we hope to find a number of future Olympians in our Regional Development Camps of 2010.  Most of our current national team athletes all came to similar camps in 1995-1998.

Description and Purpose of Camps

The purpose of the Regional Development Camp is to allow you as an athlete to get a “jump start” in biathlon marksmanship, while at the same time experience a “national team” style training camp.  We will be training lots of hours, working on ski technique and strength training technique.  Many of the camps will be run in conjunction with the Junior national team or other athletes with advanced shooting skills.

Download application and more information pdf – doc – or click “Read the rest of this entry” below

Introductory Camps- for xc skiers with strong xc sking results and little or no biathlon experience. Applications are required. Space is limited and some rifles are available.

Camp #1:  Midwest Regional Camp: Intro Shooting Camp, Ages 13-17. Grand Rapids MN, June 14 – June 22.  Focus on developing biathlon shooting skills- position, accuracy drills, begin combo training.  Volume training focus on rollerskis/running, as well as strength and technique work. Approx cost $400. By application. Vladimir Cervenka – cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp # 2:  Eastern Regional Camp: Intro Shooting Camp- Ages 19-26 June 21-June 28. Lake Placid Olympic Training Center, NY. Focus on developing biathlon shooting skills- position, accuracy drills, begin combo training.  Volume training focus on rollerskis/running, as well as strength and technique work. Approx cost $400.  By application. Algis Shalna, algisshalna@aol.com

Intermediate to Advanced Camps- for experienced biathletes with 1-3 years of biathlon experience and excellent xc skiing results.  Prior camps are a requirement.  Jr National Team or by application.

Camp # 3: High Altitude Camp Granby/Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 21-July 7.  Ages 16-20.  In conjunctions with Junior National Team.  Previous regional shooting camp required. Volume training on rollerskis, trail running/hiking and mnt biking- very high training load.  Intermediate to advanced shooting skills. Included 4 days at the Colorado Springs OTC.  Approx cost $550. Ground transport available from Minnesota.  Vladimir Cervenka- cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp # 4:  Eastern Regional Camp:  Advanced Training Camp, Ages 14-16. July 5-July 17. Jericho, Vermont. Focus on accuracy shooting and combo training.  Volume training focus on rollerskis/running, with some intensity workouts. Previous camp experience required. Approx cost $400. Algis Shalna, algisshalna@aol.com

Camp # 5:  Eastern Regional Camp: Advanced Training camp, Ages 17-21. July 24-Aug 5.  Similar to Camp # 5 , but with older age group. Algis Shalna, algisshalna@aol.com

Camp # 6: National Rollerski Camp and Competition Camp, Camp Ethan Allen, Jericho, VT, July 31 1-7.  Previous regional shooting camp required and good rollerski skills.  Focus on “combination” training, with a shift to more intensity on rollerskis.  Rollerski biathlon races on Aug 6-7. Approx cost $400.  This training is attended by many coaches- contact Piotr Bednarski, mnbiathlon@aol.com to direct you.

Camp #7:  Junior Team Camp-  High Volume Focus, Lake Placid OTC, Aug 8-16, Continued combo training, and higher training volume.  Approx cost $250  Junior national team and intermediate level athletes ages 14-17.  Vladimir Cervenka- cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp # 8: National and Western Regional Junior Camp, Rollerski Combo and Competition.  Soldier Hollow, Utah, Oct 6-20(dates tentative).  Camp conjunction with Junior National Team. Advanced level required.  Approx cost $550. Vladimir Cervenka, cervenkv@gmail.com

Camp #9:  Western and Midwestern Regional Junior Camp, Nov 20-27, West Yellowstone, MT.  On snow, high volume training ski training with daily combo shooting practice.  Some athletes will stay, Nov 16-Dec 4.  Approx cost $800. Vladimir Cervenka@gmail.com and Piotr Bednarski, mnbiathlon@aol.com.

Additional Camps not yet scheduled:

Far West Regional Camp-  Introductory Camp- ages 12-20.  Northstar Biathlon Range, CA.  Mid-May.  Contact Glenn Jobe, 530-994-1041, gjobe@gotsky.com,

Washington Regional Camp-  Introductory and Advanced Camp- ages 12-20.   Methow Valley, WA.  Contact Betsy Devin Smith, 509/341-9345, drbetsy@methownet.com,

Goals for USBA Camps
Looking for Top Results at the Olympics and World Cup

The U.S.Biathlon Association has had a long history of recruiting talented and motivated athletes and helping them become world class biathletes.  Currently our men’s team is ranked 10^th in the world, with all 4 of our top men regularly finishing in the top 40 in the world.  Tim Burke, our top athlete this year, wore the yellow bib (# 1 World Cup ranking) for several weeks prior to the Olympic Games.  We are looking toward 2014 and 2018 Olympics with excitement, and we hope to find a number of future Olympians in our Regional Development Camps of 2010.  Most of our current national team athletes all came to similar camps in 1995-1998.

Description and Purpose of Camps

The purpose of the Regional Development Camp is to allow you as an athlete to get a “jump start” in biathlon marksmanship, while at the same time experience a “national team” style training camp.  We will be training lots of hours, working on ski technique and strength training technique.  Many of the camps will be run in conjunction with the Junior national team or other athletes with advanced shooting skills.

Application Process

Acceptance to USBA camps is based primarily on XC skiing results.  Exceptional results in other endurance sports such as cycling, running, speed skating, will also be considered.  Please fill out the camp application.   Applications are due by May 15^th.  Please email to the coach contact for each camp, and copy Piotr Bednarski, USBA Director of Athlete development at mnbiathlon@aol.com.  We may call you to further discuss your application.  Applicants will be notified in early May whether they have been accepted.  All athletes that are accepted have until May 10^th to confirm via email or phone that they will be attending:  Please contact Piotr Bednarski at mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/237-0765 with any questions regarding camps and the application process.

Camp Costs and Rifles

The cost for the camps will be $35-$55 per day- there is some variation depending on location.  In general, athletes need to provide their own transport to the training site.  Ground transport, room and board is provided at training site.  Some loaner rifles are available for camps-  inquire with your application.   Its best if you can purchase your own rifle.  USBA coaches can advise you on how and where to order biathlon rifles.

Coaching Internships

We have several coaching internship positions available during the camp.  Athletes are encouraged to have their home coaches participate as interns/assistants at this camp.  Coaches may apply by emailing Piotr Bednarski at mnbiathlon@aol.com.  Intern coaches must provide their own transport to camps.  Most expenses at camps will be covered by USBA.

USBA Staff Contacts

Piotr Bednarski, Director of Athlete Development,

mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/924-0381

Vladimir Cervenka, Junior National Team Coach,

cervenkv@hotmail.com, 218/256-8323

Algis Shalna, Collegiate Program Coach,

algisshalna@aol.com, 802/355-8493

Seth Hubbard, Maine Winters Sports Center Coach,

seth@mainewsc.org, 207/227-3867

Regional Coaches and Club Contacts

Download Application pdf doc

Application For Junior Regional and National Camp

-       due May 15th, 2011, but sooner you apply the better!

-       email directly to camp contact.  Also, copy Piotr Bednarski, USBA Director of Athlete Development, mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/237-0765

Name:

Address:

DOB:

Email and cell phone:

Parents names and cell phone (for emergency contact):

Ski/Biathlon Club:

Coach’s name, email and phone:

High School/College:

Grade in school or college:

Right or Left handed:

Height:          Weight:

Which Camp session(s) do you want to attend?  Please list other sessions that you could potentially attend.

List several of your best XC skiing Results from the past two seasons (JO’s, regional JOQ’s, State HS, USSA Points):

What other sports do you compete in?  Please list some of your top results (times and distances) from the past two years.  Please list team sports as well:

What are you goals in sport?

Why are you interested in Biathlon?

Have you had any laboratory testing- lactate profile or max VO2?  If so, please include results:

Do you have a training log?  If so, what were your training hours last year?

To summarize, the USBA will be able to take 2 men and 2 women to the Youth Olympic Games.   Athletes must have a birth date between Jan 1, 1994 and Dec 31, 1995.  The first position will be filled by the best 4 of 9 races scored on the USBA % back method.  Only age eligible athletes will be in the points calculation and points base. Races will include Jr Trials (3 races, Jericho, Dec 2010), US Biathlon Nationals (3 races, Mt Itasca, March 2011) and Summer Rollerski Biathlon Festival (3 races on matched skis, Jericho, Aug 201).  The second position will be filled on coaching staff discretion, though points will definitely influence the selection.  An Alternate will also be selected, based on points.   All athletes will need to compete in the Youth Category.

Athletes selected to the Youth Olympic Games team (including Alternates) will be invited to funded preparatory camps in October (Soldier Hollow) and November (West Yellowstone).

USBA will be hosting a Jr Development Camp immediately after the USSA- Junior Olympics.  It will be held at Mt Itasca, Grand Rapids, MN, March 13-20. This training camp is for xc skiers age 14-19 who are competing at a high level in cross country skiing and are just starting biathlon training/racing.  This camp is also for those who have some biathlon experience and are looking to get some additional coaching.  The camp will combine intensive marksmanship training and ski training over a week-long camp. All athletes will be able to compete at the US National Championships which will be held at Mt Itasca, March 17, 19, 20, during the last few days of the training camp.

Questions regarding the 2012 Youth Olympic Games and the USBA Jr Development Camp should be addressed to Piotr Bednarski, Director of Athlete Development, mnbiathlon@aol.com, 952/237-0765 cell.

Provisional Criteria Pdf

Dear Athletes and Coaches,

The inaugural Youth Winter Olympic Games will be held January 13-22, 2012 in
Innsbruk, Austria. This is a new event, and as the title indicates, it’s a big deal. This
is a REAL OLYMPICS for Youth athletes (age eligibility described below), and will
include virtually all the winter sports that are included in the “regular” Olympic
Games. This event will be fully funded by the US Olympic Committee and the USBA.

The U.S. Biathlon Team will be allowed to bring 2 female and 2 male biathletes.
Athletes must be US Citizens born between January 1, 1994 and Dec 31, 1995.
There will be 4 events for biathlon:

• 6km/7.5km Sprint
• 7.5km/10km Pursuit
• Mixed Relay (2 women and 2 men)
• Combined Biathlon and XC Relay (2 biathletes, 2 xc skiers)

The qualification process for US biathletes wanting to represent the United States at
the Youth Olympic Games will begin this winter season, 2010-2011. The
International Competition Committee has not yet approved criteria, but they will be
available in the next month. Criteria will be emailed out to coaches and will be
posted on the USBA website as soon as they are available.

Because the names for team selection must be submitted to the International
Olympic Committee by early December 2011, we will most likely need to use results
from major Biathlon races during the 2010-2011 season. Athletes and coaches
need to keep this in mind when planning the winter race schedule. Though our
criteria are not yet complete, this letter is a “heads up” regarding the importance of
racing at the Jr/Youth World Team Trials, Dec 28-30, 2010 in Jericho, Vermont and
the US National Championships, March 17-20, 2011 at Mt Itasca, Minnesota.

The International Competition Committee will work to complete its work on the
Youth Olympic Games qualifying criteria by the middle of November. The inaugural
Youth Summer Olympic Games were held this summer in Singapore. From all
reports it was a resounding success. The host city website is not yet up, but here’s a
link for some more basic information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Winter_Youth_Olympics