Biathlon World Cup - the world turned upside down

[jon_norstog]

Here's something to cheer you up:

"OBERHOF, Germany (AP) -- American Tim Burke has retaken the lead in the biathlon World Cup by finishing second to five-time Olympic champion Ole Einar Bjoerndalen of Norway in a men's mass start race.

Burke finished 1 minute, 2.9 seconds behind the Norwegian, who covered the 15 kilometers in 38:57.3 after one shooting error. Burke missed two targets. Tomasz Sikora of Poland was 1:40.6 back with three misses.

Burke leads the standings with 329 points, three more than Evgeny Ustyugov of Russia, who finished fourth.

Andrea Henkel of Germany, Burke's girlfriend, won the women's mass start race. She had two misses in her 17th career victory, covering 12.5 kilometers in 40:53.6.

World Cup leader Helena Jonsson of Sweden was second, 23.4 seconds behind with one miss."

This is news, guys. When was an American in contention for the podium in this event? Not since the '70s at least. Frank Ullrich used to **own** this event, back when there were two Germanys. Bjoerndalen has been on the podium every year since 1997, including six wins. Burke and the guy chasing him, Ustyagov, are both newcomers to the top places. Lets see how it plays out!

jn

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[gunner]

Congrats,

Well made from Burke!

Regards

Gunner

[gunner]

Hi Jon,

Have you ever tried to shoot like a biathlon shooter? We tried it and it was extremly difficult to hit this small target. I didnt know that a target can move so fast up and down and it seemed that somebody moved the rifle in a circle while i tried to aim. We made it at Nesselwang ( training center for biathlon close to me) in that way: run 600 yards as fast as it is possible and then tried to shoot. Since then i have an huge respect for them.
Lets see what happens on Thursday.

Regards

Gunner

[duggaboy]

hey Gunner: Is this type of race/shooting going to take place at the Vancouver Olympics ?? I would like to follow the matches and races up in Canada if I can.

[gunner]

Hi duggaboy, it is a part of the Winter Olympics. Enjoy it and look for an good place at one of the shooting stages, it is really good.

Regards

Gunner

[jon_norstog]

Gunner

Biathlon is way beyond my ability! Well, I could probably finish the course eventually but as far as hitting anything, it would be a matter of luck.

There aren't that many top-level biathletes in the world, and the top people tend to win or place year after year. Like Lance Armstrong or Eddy Mercx in bicycle racing.

jn

[jon_norstog]

Friday 1/15:

Well the American has fallen back to third - the Russian, Ustyagov, has taken a strong lead at 358, second is Simon Fourcade of France, 341. Our guy Tim Burke is third with 339.

you can follow it here:

International Biathlon Union - IBU

The American, Burke, did quite well in individual and pursuit events.

I don't know how much competition is left, but a US biathlete could make the podium!

jn

[oscars]

This is always fun - primitive biathlon!!

The Fifteenth Annual Smugglers' Notch Primitive Biathlon, presented by the Smugglers' Notch Area Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by the Vermont Trappers' Association and The Ancient Ones of Maine, will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 30th and 31st, 2010 on the grounds of the Sterling Ridge Inn and Log Cabins in Jeffersonville, Vermont. Start times are between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM.


This is the original Primitive Biathlon, and the largest such event held. Rather than the olympic-style target rifles and cross-country skis, this rather unusual event involves the use of muzzleloading rifles and snowshoes. Eligibility for overall prizes is limited to single-barrel traditional style muzzleloaders - no in-lines or optical sights - and traditional wood-framed snowshoes, although modern equipment users are welcome to participate. In the primitive spirit of the event, and in the interest of fairness, the use of round-ball ammunition is requested. Period dress is definitely encouraged, though not required.

The beautiful, mostly wooded course is approximately 2 miles long and can be enjoyed by the average sportsman - you needn't be an olympic athlete! The route will be well-marked and will include four target stages with a total of nine shots. A mis-fire is a miss (Keep your powder dry!), times will be adjusted based on shooting scores putting an emphasis on accuracy, and the final target stage will be in an open, spectator area where families of the entrants and anyone interested can watch. This event will be held regardless of the weather - remember the concept of 'Primitive'. In the event of insufficient snow for snowshoes, bring a good pair of woods boots.

[jon_norstog]

Well,

Ustyagov is now well ahead of the crowd. Tim Burke has dropped back to fourth place, but is still ahead of six-time winner Bjoerndalen of Norway. France's Fourcade is in third but only leads Burke by 7 points. The American could easily make the podium yet!

jn