Biathlon International Trials, Day 1: Sprint
Bjorn Westervelt on his way to the men’s overall win.
US biathletes trying to qualify for IBU (International Biathlon Union) Cup racing have gathered at the Outdoor Center this past week in preparation for the racing that started today.
Today: a sprint. 3 laps and 2 shooting stages - prone then standing. Every miss requires skiers to complete a 150 meter penalty lap.
Bjorn Westervelt, coming off a summer of training in the GRP U23 program and a fall of being pushed by his UVM ski team teammates, won the men’s 10k race with 3 misses in a time of 24:40. 31 seconds back with 2 misses was Eli Nielsen of the National Guard. Vincent Bonacci (Crosscut/USBA) rounded out the podium in third, 50 seconds back with 3 misses.
Grace Castonguay (Team Soldier Hollow) took the women’s victory in the 7.5k competition with 1 miss, in a time of 22:40. GRP’s own Jackie Garso started the weekend strong, earning 2nd place, with 2 misses just 15 seconds behind Castonguay. Anna French (Altius/BSF) placed 3rd with 3 misses in a time of 23:32.
Theo Castonguary (Team Soldier Hollow) won the Youth Men’s division with William NG in 2nd and Joel Hearing in 3rd.
Ella Niedre (Chelsea) placed 1st for the Youth Women with Virginia Cobb (Ethan Allen Biathlon Club) in 2nd and Rachel Lambley (Chelsea) in 3rd.
These biathletes will hit the race course again tomorrow for a short individual competition.