An interview with John Madigan on the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club and COC partnership for Masters' Biathlon
by GRP Biathlete Jake Brown
Kae Zaino of Ethan Allen Biathlon Club and her competitors zero in their rifles prior to the “Dust Off the Cobwebs” race on December 15, 2024
John Madigan is a Craftsbury resident and the long-time director of the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club based out of the Camp Ethan Allen military base in Jericho, VT. John also serves as the US Biathlon Eastern Regional Coordinator and for years has been a humble, steadfast force in our sport. In an email interview, John shares an update on construction at the Camp Ethan Allen range, how EABC and COC are partnering to offer masters’ biathlon training opportunities, tips for both participating in and viewing biathlon, and - read to the end, we put him on the spot - if he prefers Jericho or Craftsbury! We are lucky to have such a great resource in our biathlon community.
JB: John, thanks for joining us for the Craftsbury blog and the first edition of our Craftsbury biathlon e-newsletter.
You have a wealth of experience as the director of the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club, which is based out of Jericho and utilizes the biathlon facilities at Camp Ethan Allen. We've heard the whole biathlon range there is closed this year... what's going on there? When do they plan to re-open?
JM: Yes there is no civilian access at this time. The Vermont National Guard received $16 million to upgrade the biathlon facilities in Jericho. I believe the goal is to obtain an IBU B license that would allow them to host the Conseil International du sport Miitaire (CISM) games at sometime in the future. The planned improvements include replacement of the Walker Building with a new lodge, construction of a multi-team wax building, leveling of the stadium, widening and repaving of the trails, and improvements to the lighting and snowmaking systems. Much of the work is still in the design stage so knowing the schedule is almost impossible at this time. Currently, the Walker Building has been mostly dismantled. This was done from a separate pot of money that had to be spent by a certain date. There currently is no power to the lighting and snowmaking system, and with most of our programming taking place in the evenings, we are on hold for use of the facility. There are plans to reroute the electrical service so we have our fingers crossed that programming can be restarted. The facility also serves most of the local High Schools, Mansfield Nordic, the UVM ski team, and others. It leaves a big hole in skiing and biathlon opportunities in the area. It will be amazing when it re-opens. Unfortunately, no one can say when that will be.
JB: Because of the closure this year the Ethan Allen Biathlon Club is kind-of merging masters programs with Craftsbury. What does that look like? How often and when are the masters’ groups training?
JM: The Craftsbury Outdoor Center has been a great partner in working with EABC, not just now, but for many years. We are currently offering two masters’ practice sessions including Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings. Green Team biathletes as well as the coaching staff have been helping out at some of these practices so it is a wonderful opportunity for masters to get some high level coaching. Most recently we have been trying to get more masters involved by leasing the EABC rifles that are sitting idle. This has also resulted in some new masters biathletes from Craftsbury having an opportunity to give the sport a try.
JB: As this year is a little unique, how would a master’s biathlete (or skier who would like to become a future biathlete) join the Craftsbury or EABC masters' programs?
JM: I think contacting either Susan Dunklee or myself would be a good place to start and we can guide them on what is needed. There is a membership requirement for the COC as well as USBA and some basic safety training to work through, but all pretty manageable.
JB: Having guided many master skiers into the biathlon, what would be your advice to a proficient skier who wants to give biathlon a try?
JM: It would depend on your goals to some extent, but a great starting point would be to take a biathlon lesson at Craftsbury Outdoor Center. They are now offering private and group lessons to those that want to give it a try. One of the major hurdles to the sport of biathlon is the cost of a rifle. Purchasing a rifle is a significant commitment, but there are more options these days for less expensive rifles so that is improving. Some masters are hooked right from the start and excited to get their own rifle. We are lucky to have Lost Nation R&D as a resource that can work with them on the right rifle choice.
Craftsbury will also host the Bayley Hazen Biathlon Race on Sunday, February 23rd, which is open to any skier that wants to give it a try. No experience needed. These are such fun events and everyone is all grins afterwards.
Editor’s note: The Bayley Hazen Biathlon Race registration is full at this time
JB: OK, you are the EABC director but you live in Craftsbury. Which range is your favorite?
JM: They are both such fantastic and unique places to train or race biathlon. For many biathletes, they only experience Jericho during the dreaded heat and humidity of August for the National Championships, so I can understand when it is not high on their list of favorite ranges. I love our winter Thursday night race series in Jericho. So many people have tried biathlon for the first time at these races and come back year after year. Many of them have become friends and it is a wonderful atmosphere. Craftsbury also feels like a home range to me as I have seen the biathlon program grow since the very beginning and know all of the staff and Green Team biathletes. I think my favorite range is whichever one I am at.
JB: I've had the pleasure of connecting with you when you've helped staff World Cup races for the US team. Where in the world has been your favorite place to watch a biathlon race (and you have permission to say Jericho if you want to!)? Any place you'd recommend a biathlon fan to visit?
JM: If you have never been to a Biathlon World Cup, there are no bad choices. The experience at all of them will leave you amazed. Most people can not imagine the excitement and enthusiasm that the biathlon fans bring to every race. Certainly Antholz and Rupholding are amazing places with beautiful settings and are among my top places to recommend. The Nove Mesto stadium is one of the loudest and gets your heart beating faster just being there. If I had to pick one, I think it would be hard to top Annecy Le Grand Bornand. This might surprise some people, but the French fans are amazing, and loud, and that excitement continues even after the races are over. They cheer for every athlete regardless of country and from beginning to end. There are few more picturesque stadium settings and all a 15 minute walk from town. If you are a biathlon fan, it should be on your bucket list to see a biathlon World Cup in person.