Today saw the completion of the YJr World Biathlon Championships in Slovakia with all 4 classes in their respective Pursuit races. Only the top 60 from the Sprint races advanced to the Pursuit—and the start time is not given back, so if you were 2 min behind in the Sprint—you start 2 min back in the Pursuit and the first one across the line wins.
Of extra note was Chloe Levins in the Jr Women’s event who moved from 29th starting 1:16 back based on her sprint results—up to 10th today 1:06 back shooting 0,0,1,1. Very nice!
In the Youth Men’s Pursuit, Garrett Beckrich of Mt Itasca/MN Biathlon moved up from 45th starting 2:42 back to 31st finishing 4:52 back with 1,1,1,1 on the range. Very nice way to finish the Championships!!
Garrett’s races both on Friday and today were won by Alex Cisar of Slovenia. Alex spent a couple of months training at Mt Itasca early this summer..and I grabbed a little video on him during a time trial on the Mesabi trail. Alex is in the white helmet doing V2 up a long pretty steep hill. Note how long he stays on his left ski as he initiates poling from a high forward position before he pushes across. Strong guy!! Really good technique!
Enjoy. Later this week the World Cup moves to Canmore, Alberta, then the following week to Soldier Hollow where we just had the US Youth and Junior Trials. Replays of those races are available on the IBU webpage under live broadcasts…Eurosport.
Bill Meyer, Coach
MNBiathlon