U.S.A. Biathlon
RUHPOLDING, Germany (March 3, 2012) - Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) led Team USA today with a 10th place finish in the Men’s 10K Sprint with a time of 25:17.4 (0+1), 58.8 seconds back from today’s winner Martin Fourcade (FRA) with 24:18.6 (1+1). Norway’s Emil Hegle Svendsen placed second (24:33.7/1+1) and Carl Johan Bergman was third (24:36.3/0+0).
“Today was a solid start for me but of course I am hoping for more in the next races, said Burke. “I was happy with my shooting, but did not feel in top form on the skis. I have a good start for tomorrow's race and I am hoping that with a little better feeling on the track, I can challenge for a top spot. Maybe the best part today was competing in front of 30,000 enthusiastic fans. It was so loud in some places on the track that it was impossible to hear the coaches,” he added.
Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) posted a time of 25:33 with clean shooting to take 20th today. “I was happy with the shooting today but disappointed with my skiing,” said Bailey. “I felt confident about my shape going into today. Preparation has gone well over the last two weeks. But, for whatever reason, I didn't have the ski speed today. Hopefully that will improve as the days go forward from here.”
Russell Currier (Stockholm, ME) finished 63rd with a time of 27:07 (1+2) and Jay Hakkinen (Kasilof, AK) was 91st (28:37/4+1). Extended results from the men’s 10K Sprint are available at http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112SWRLCH__SMSP
Sara Studebaker (Boise, ID) lead Team USA’s women in the 7.5K Sprint with a 49th place finish (24:15.8/1+1), 3:08.8 back from Germany’s Magdalena Neuner, winning the sprint with a time of 21:07.0 and clean shooting. Darya Domracheva (BLR) was second at 21:22.2/0+0, and Vita Semerenko (UKR) was third with a time of 21:44.6 and clean shooting.
"Today was a better day for me than the relay," said Studebaker. " It was super tough skiing, and a little tricky with the sun in the range. Overall, I was happy with how I handled the conditions and am looking forward to the opportunity to improve in the pursuit!"
Susan Dunklee (Barton, VT) finished 55th (24:23.8/3+1), and Annelies Cook (Saranac Lake, NY) was 62nd with a time of 24:43.2 (2+1).
Extended results from the women’s 7.5K Sprint are available here: http://services.biathlonresults.com/results.aspx?RaceId=BT1112SWRLCH__SWSP
Competition continues tomorrow with the Men’s 12.5K Pursuit (13:15/CET) and the Women’s 10K Pursuit (16:00/CET). Both events will be webcast live at http://www5.biathlonworld.com/en/. Please visit here for a link to the complete 2012 IBU World Championship schedule and results.