GRP Biathletes Compete at USBA Rollerski Trials in Soldier Hollow, Utah
Women's mass start (photo: Karen Brown)
This past week the GRP biathlon squad competed in Solder Hollow, Utah at USBA Rollerski Trials. Results from these trials races are combined with results from the trials event earlier this summer in Jericho to determine who qualifies to start the season on the Biathlon World Cup and IBU Cup. Susan Dunklee and Clare Egan are pre-qualified for the World Cup, but still competed in the event.
This trials event kicked off with a sprint. In the women’s race, Susan took the win with only one prone miss. She was joined on the podium by GRP summer training partner and Estonian National Team member, Johanna Taliharm. Hallie Grossman was the next GRP woman across the line in 4th with two misses. She was followed by Clare Egan in 5th, Emily Dreissigacker in 6th, and Kelsey Dickinson in 7th. For the men, Alex Howe placed 5th with one miss. Next up for the GRP was Jake Brown in 9th. He was followed by Raleigh Goessling in 14th.
After one day off, racing action continued with a mass start. The GRP secured another win in the women’s race this time with Clare topping the podium. On the next step of the podium was Susan. She was followed by Emily in 4th, Hallie in 5th, and Kelsey in 6th. For the men, Alex again posted the top GRP result of the day in 6th place. Jake finished 8th and Raleigh 13th.
After a snowy weather delay, the final race kicked off the following afternoon. Susan took her second win of the weekend and was joined on the podium by teammate Emily Dreissigacker in 3rd. Both athletes had only one miss. Kelsey was the next finisher in 4th and Hallie placed 8th. For the men, Jake had a strong race and took the win. He was closely followed by Alex who notched a solid second place finish. Raleigh continued his upward trajectory finishing 7th.
Following the conclusion of the final race, points were tallied and teams named. For the women, Emily qualified to join Susan and Clare on the World Cup. Hallie and Kelsey both qualified to start their season on the IBU Cup. On the men's side, Alex made the World Cup cut and Jake qualified for the IBU Cup. The US World Cup team starts racing November 30th in Oestersund, Sweden while the US IBU Cup team kicks off their season on December 12th in Ridnaun, Italy. For the full season schedule you can visit biathlonworld.com. Thanks for following!
Trials Results: