GRP Biathletes Post Strong Results in First Races of the Season
Susan Dunklee competing in the first World Cup sprint of the season in Oestersund, Sweden (photo: NordicFocus)
Last week saw the beginning of the biathlon race season with GRP biathletes competing at three separate events across the globe. If you’d like to refresh your memory of the various biathlon race formats, and gain a better understanding of the mental component involved in each event, check out this article written by our very own Jake Brown
IBU Cup:
The very first race start took place in Sjusjoen, Norway at IBU Cup #1. Representing the GRP in this event was Kelsey Dickinson, Hallie Grossman, and Jake Brown. The first race was a sprint, and Kelsey kicked off the season with a personal-best IBU Cup finish rocketing to second place on the podium. Conditions were marginal at race time with considerable wind and falling snow, but she finished the race with only 2 standing misses. Hallie was the next GRP finisher in 64th. For the men, Jake placed 82nd. The second race was also a sprint. Kelsey again posted the top GRP result for the women in 45th with two misses. Hallie improved on her previous result with a strong 58th place finish and only three misses. Jake also improved placing 36th for the men with two misses. All three athletes qualified for the pursuit in which Kelsey maintained her start position in 45th cleaning both middle stages and only accruing 3 misses. Hallie moved up to 53rd, and Jake placed 41st in the men’s race. Racing continues on the IBU circuit next weekend in Ridnaun-Val Ridanna, Italy so stay tuned!
World Cup:
The World Cup season began with a single mixed and mixed relay. Representing the GRP at the World Cup this past weekend was Susan Dunklee, Clare Egan, Emily Dreissigacker, and Alex Howe. Susan contested the single mixed relay with USBA teammates Sean Doherty. The team placed 6th with 1 penalty and 16 spares. Susan cleaned all stages using 1 spare in each prone stage and 3 spares in each standing stage. In the mixed relay, Clare and Alex were joined by USBA teammates Joanne Reid and Leif Nordgren. The team placed 8th with no penalties and only 7 spares. Clare scrambled for the team and cleaned both stages with no spares. Alex anchored the team cleaning his prone stage and fending off Martin Fourcade to secure the team’s 8th place finish. The relays were followed by a sprint race. Susan posted the top US result in 32nd with two standing misses. She was followed by Clare in 38th also with 2 misses and Emily in 77th with one standing miss. Alex placed 104th in the men’s event. Racing continues in Oestersund on Wednesday with individual races followed by men’s and women’s relay competitions.
NorAM/Calforex Cup:
Meanwhile in North America Raleigh Goessling contested the Noram/Calforex Cup in Canmore, Alberta. The weekend kicked off with a sprint race in which Raleigh placed 8th. In the following day’s pursuit, Raleigh had a strong race moving up to 5th place. Following the NorAm, Raleigh will stay in Canmore to join the GRP skiers and compete in the NorAm/SuperTour Nordic races next weekend.
Results:
IBU and World Cup at biathlonworld.com.
NorAm/Calforex Cup at zone4.ca.
Kelsey Dickinson (far left) on her first IBU Cup podium after racing to second place in Sjusjoen, Norway.