Good Morning Everyone,

Based on reports of poor conditions in Madison, MNBiathlon is scheduling a mass start race at Mt Itasca for this coming Sunday the 19th of February, with zero at 10:00. If you still desire to go to Wisconsin, I suggest you check in with Mark Torresani at 608 334 2846 for their final plans and word on conditions. Last I heard they were discussing a one day short course in slushy conditions.

Conditions at Mt Itasca are good and the weather reports indicate freezing temperatures overnight through the weekend. There is over a foot of manmade snow on a 2.5 km course, with natural snow on the full 3.3 km course used for IBU Trials. Please see the attached pictures.

A Novice race will be held following the experienced race. If you are doing the Novice event, you should be there before 10:00 to help zero rifles and then to watch the experienced event.

For those from further away than Northern MN who would like to stay overnight and get in some good skiing and maybe a time trial on Saturday the 18th, you are welcome to use Mt Itasca on Saturday for a small fee. There are a number of good hotels in Grand Rapids about 20 minutes to the west of Coleraine.

All—please contact me if you plan to attend on either Saturday or Sunday.

Thanks,
Bill Meyer, Coach