Jan 07

IBU Cup Team Arrives in Altenberg, Germany

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Nine American athletes arrived in Altenberg, Germany this week for the first stop in their two week tour on the IBU Cup. The IBU Cup Team is being led by B-Team coach Gary Colliander of the Maine Winter Sports Center. "The conditions here are perfect and whole team is really excited to be here," said Colliander. "Altenberg is one of the main winter sports centers in Germany and is where Ricco Gross got his start. It is an inspiring place." The Team will compete in an Individual (15/20 km with four shooting stages) and Sprint competition (7.5/10 km with two shooting stages) this weekend.

The IBU Cup was created this season by the International Biathlon Union to provide more competitive opportunities for the growing field of athlete below the World Cup level. But with so many strong athlete from Germany, Norway and Russia the level of competition is very high. "In December we saw Norwegian Lars Berger win the IBU Cup on week and go on to win at the World Cup the next week," said Colliander. Berger is also a World Champion Cross Country skier. "That is becoming more and more common and shows the level of the IBU Cup."

The American Team includes both veteran Olympians as well as rookies who will be vying for spots on the World Championship team.

IBU Cup Team Roster

  IBU Cup Altenberg Start Lists and Results