World Champs has begun!

Even though Khanty-Mansiysk in western Siberia east of the Ural Mountain range in Russia seems far away and foreign, with lots of fur, an indecipherable language, constant military presence and today a cold wind, it is so very authentic and more familiar than I thought. I suggest playing Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" and in particular this one YouTube clip from Fantasia to set the scene and drink a cup of instant coffee with condensed milk, because apparently that's their thing around here. 

I had my first individual World Cup start here in 2008 and this is my first time back. There is plenty of snow and I like the race course, just as I remember. The stadium has been redesigned since I was here and I am curious to experience it at full capacity during the Sprint on Saturday. The crowds are very close and the high stands create a dome-like feel around this clover leaf shaped stadium. The race roster is long - 103 women and 125 men!

World Champs Poster

Welcome to Khanty: daily beautiful sunsets, the race course and metal detectors greet you at the venue's entrance.

Tchailovsky's waltz accompanied swirling snowflakes, intricate folk costumes, sleighs of reindeer and this dance on skis which told the story of the native reindeer herders of the Ugra region hunting on skis. 

Looking down into the shooting range during Thursday's Mixed Relay from the staircase that connects the hotel and the venue. 

Same view during the day time.

On the eve of the first competition all I can say is that I've had a good week of training and preparation for the Sprint race and feel as ready as I'll ever be. 

Watch us LIVE Saturday morning:

Women's Sprint 8am EST

www.biathlonworld.com

A bit of Russia

American photographers capture the World Cups in Maine

I just wanted to pass on some websites where you can view and purchase photos from the World Cups in Presque Isle and Fort Kent, Maine captured by American photographers:

Greg Jaeger, Virginia

www.gregjaeger.com

Sara Studebaker handing off to me in the Mixed Relay in Presque Isle.

Steve Fuller, New England

www.flyingpointroad.com

Emil Svendson, bib 1, point 1.

Paul Cyr, Aroostook County, Maine

Paul Cyr Photography

An aerial view before the start of the Women's Pursuit race in Fort Kent.

Enjoy!

Thanks Colter!!

Auction to support the 31st Empire State Winter Games, Lake Placid Feb 25-27

www.empirestatewintergames.com

alpine skiing, biathlon, bobsled, cross-country, figure skating, luge, skeleton, ski jumping, ski orienteering, snowshoeing, speed skating, women's ice hockey, skier/boarder cross

February 25-27, 2011

The Empire State Winter Games are able to continue this year because Adirondack communities formed a coalition, drummed up local support, have gathered the needed volunteers and have gotten the region excited about contributing to an important event that means something to New York athletes. Lake Placid will host 13 winter sporting events next weekend for middle school to college age student-athletes. It is unique because these competitions are either the height of a New York athlete's sporting career or they are an important event along the development pipeline for aspiring elite athletes. A couple athletes in particular who were past ESG Champions decided to contribute to the fundraising efforts of the Games by hosting an online auction of ski apparel from local Olympians. Billy Demong, the nordic combined skier, and Kris Cheney-Seymour, my first biathlon coach and Saranac Lake architect, of Demong Designs partnered with John Farra, former Olympian and the US Ski Team, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) and the Lake Placid CVB this winter to gather items from Andrew Weibrecht, Tim Burke, Lowell Bailey, John Napier (bobsled) and myself.

See the skis in the background of the photo? Those are one of Billy's training skis from a year ago at the Olympics and so far there's one bid on them for $300. To find out what else is up for auction check out the AUCTION. In this auction created by athletes for athletes 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Empire State Winter Games.

"Our community, the Adirondacks and this region that has taken the mantle of the Empire State Games and has kept it going, really speaks to how our region understands and believes in the power of winter sports, the aspirations of children and the hopes to inspire athletes." -Kris Cheney-Seymour, "Olympians doing their part"

Kris Cheney-Seymour, of Demong Designs, Jeff Byrne ORDA, myself and Andrew Weibrecht during Thursday's press conference announcing the opening of the auction.

(Enterprise photo - Lou Reuter)

Thanks and congratulations to Aroostook County!

I am just back from racing in two Biathlon World Cups in northern Maine with two thoughts in mind: the organizing committees, volunteers and communities did an excellent, world-class job hosting two events and I couldn't ski two lanes down the range  or ski the farthest hills of the course without a 'congrats,' 'good luck,' 'go get'em,' or 'go haley!' So I'd like a send an informal but HUGE CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Maine World Cups!!! I am grateful to everyone of them.

I guess I have a third thought, too: I didn't race as well as I would have liked to in Maine, but regardless our team did great and it was awesome to compete in a World Cup on home snow! 

Some great volunteers in Fort Kent.

The tips of my classic skis peer over the top of 'Soderberg's Summit' and the big climb in Fort Kent.

A shot from one of the spectating spots before the Mass Start competitions on Sunday. Beautiful conditions and sunny skies.

More great volunteers and local skiers:)

The first loop during the Men's Mass Start.

Lowell, far left, one lap into a career best finish.

Marie and Lucien Theriault - two of my favorite people in Fort Kent. I've raced and trained in Fort Kent a lot, and not once without seeing folks like them on the sidelines cheering. 

Sara Studebaker during her first Mass Start.

 On the final short, but not sweet, uphill towards the finish area spectators where able to cheer only an arms length away from the competitors.

I'm back in Placid for a pre-World Championship training block before leaving for Russia next week. I like Russia's courses, so have spent a good amount of time on Porter Mtn., High Notch and Ladies 5km to benefit from the hilly terrain. I'm not terribly fond of shooting in windy conditions, but Mt. Van Hoevenberg's range is a good place to practice for potential windy conditions on race day in Russia. Plus, the piston bully is back from the dead and I'm looking forward to some good conditions for intervals tomorrow morning.

Biathlon on NPR

"Rural Maine County Hosts Biathlon World Cup"
Listen to the sounds of the World Cup on NPR

And check out Lowell's take on Fort Kent:
www.lowellbailey.com