Dear Bluff Country Biathlon Supporters,
Below, you will find an update from the last 2 Bluff Country Biathlon (BCB) events of the 2022-23 winter season and preview of the biggest events of 2023-24.
After a short 3 week annual recovery phase in April, the team is back in training with their sights on the following National and International competitions:
2023 US Biathlon (USBA) Regional Select Camp - Airens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI
USBA selected the following BCB athletes and invited them to attend this prestigious camp. Only a small number of athletes are invited to attend this summer camp. USBA Coaches/Former Olympic Athletes will be coaching at camp.
USBA asked the coach of BCB (Holly Hanson) to coach at the Regional Select Camp as well.
2023 US Biathlon Summer National Championships at Camp Ethan Allen in Jericho, VT - July 31st - August 6th
2023 Youth and Junior World Championships Trials at Mt Itasca, Coleraine, MN- December 26th-31st *
2023 Youth Olympic Trials at Mt Itasca, Coleraine, MN - December 26th-31st*
*The team representing USA in both the Youth & Junior World Championships and 2024 Youth Olympics will be selected by US Biathlon (USBA) based on performance at these events and other factors.
*2024 Youth & Junior World Championships- Estonia February 23rd - March 2nd
*2024 Youth Olympics - Gangwon, South Korea - January 19th - February 1st
Here are the results from the 2023 USBA National Championships held on top of Mt. Casper in Wyoming and the Liatoppen Biathlon Festival held in Norway.
In biathlon, the shooting results are always stated in the number of missed shots per position/bout.
There are a total of 5 targets to hit during each shooting position/bout. In sprint races, there are 2 shooting bouts; 1 prone position & 1 standing (total of 10 targets). In longer races it's 2 shooting bouts in prone and 2 in standing position for a total of 20 targets. Biathletes have to ski a 150 meter penalty loop for each missed shot which adds approximately 30+ seconds onto their time. So, if an athlete misses 4 shots total in a race, it can add 2+ minutes onto their overall time.
Both prone and standing targets are at a distance of 50 meters from the shooting platform. Prone target is only 1.8" wide (approx size of half-dollar coin) and Standing is only 4.5" wide. Rifle sights are NOT magnified. They are simple peep sights that require perfect concentric circle alignment between the front and back sights like this example.
Below, you will find an update from the last 2 Bluff Country Biathlon (BCB) events of the 2022-23 winter season and preview of the biggest events of 2023-24.
After a short 3 week annual recovery phase in April, the team is back in training with their sights on the following National and International competitions:
2023 US Biathlon (USBA) Regional Select Camp - Airens Nordic Center, Brillion, WI
USBA selected the following BCB athletes and invited them to attend this prestigious camp. Only a small number of athletes are invited to attend this summer camp. USBA Coaches/Former Olympic Athletes will be coaching at camp.
- Jack Cashman
- Eric Anderson
- Carson Peterson
- Audrey Lahammer
USBA asked the coach of BCB (Holly Hanson) to coach at the Regional Select Camp as well.
2023 US Biathlon Summer National Championships at Camp Ethan Allen in Jericho, VT - July 31st - August 6th
2023 Youth and Junior World Championships Trials at Mt Itasca, Coleraine, MN- December 26th-31st *
2023 Youth Olympic Trials at Mt Itasca, Coleraine, MN - December 26th-31st*
*The team representing USA in both the Youth & Junior World Championships and 2024 Youth Olympics will be selected by US Biathlon (USBA) based on performance at these events and other factors.
*2024 Youth & Junior World Championships- Estonia February 23rd - March 2nd
*2024 Youth Olympics - Gangwon, South Korea - January 19th - February 1st
Here are the results from the 2023 USBA National Championships held on top of Mt. Casper in Wyoming and the Liatoppen Biathlon Festival held in Norway.
In biathlon, the shooting results are always stated in the number of missed shots per position/bout.
There are a total of 5 targets to hit during each shooting position/bout. In sprint races, there are 2 shooting bouts; 1 prone position & 1 standing (total of 10 targets). In longer races it's 2 shooting bouts in prone and 2 in standing position for a total of 20 targets. Biathletes have to ski a 150 meter penalty loop for each missed shot which adds approximately 30+ seconds onto their time. So, if an athlete misses 4 shots total in a race, it can add 2+ minutes onto their overall time.
Both prone and standing targets are at a distance of 50 meters from the shooting platform. Prone target is only 1.8" wide (approx size of half-dollar coin) and Standing is only 4.5" wide. Rifle sights are NOT magnified. They are simple peep sights that require perfect concentric circle alignment between the front and back sights like this example.
2023 USBA National Championships, Casper WY - March 2023
A total of 4 athletes from BCB competed at the 2023 US Biathlon National Championships in Casper, Wyoming.
The team consisted of:
The venue was the dream of one man who worked tirelessly for many years to build a biathlon range in Casper. This is a new venue and it was the first time they hosted Nationals.
Many volunteers put in long days to help the athletes, coaches and spectators. A BIG thank you to them!
According to many Garmin watches, the elevation of the facility was over 8200'! The layout was open which gave the coaches and spectators a good viewing vantage point at the shooting range which afforded them nice views of multiple sections of the race course. Snow arrived overnight/mornings on several occasions which caused some of the course to be wind-blown with 2-3" of new dry powdery snow to ski through. There were several very challenging steep-long mountain hills and gusty high winds that frequently shifted direction on the range while the athletes were taking their 5 shots in any given position. Standing position was especially challenging as the wind was so strong it often knocked athletes off balance/off target while the competition race clock kept ticking and adding undesirable time as they tried to reposition themselves and make sight adjustments. The athletes did well competing at altitude by focusing on sleep, nutrition, hydration, and following a training progression that helped them acclimate and prepare for competition at altitude. They executed brilliantly on the race strategies they individually developed and everyone raced competitively at altitude.
Here's a snapshot of the results:
Sprint Race
Pursuit Race
Relays
The team consisted of:
- Eric Anderson
- Audrey Lahammer
- Adelaide Bielke
- Carson Peterson
The venue was the dream of one man who worked tirelessly for many years to build a biathlon range in Casper. This is a new venue and it was the first time they hosted Nationals.
Many volunteers put in long days to help the athletes, coaches and spectators. A BIG thank you to them!
According to many Garmin watches, the elevation of the facility was over 8200'! The layout was open which gave the coaches and spectators a good viewing vantage point at the shooting range which afforded them nice views of multiple sections of the race course. Snow arrived overnight/mornings on several occasions which caused some of the course to be wind-blown with 2-3" of new dry powdery snow to ski through. There were several very challenging steep-long mountain hills and gusty high winds that frequently shifted direction on the range while the athletes were taking their 5 shots in any given position. Standing position was especially challenging as the wind was so strong it often knocked athletes off balance/off target while the competition race clock kept ticking and adding undesirable time as they tried to reposition themselves and make sight adjustments. The athletes did well competing at altitude by focusing on sleep, nutrition, hydration, and following a training progression that helped them acclimate and prepare for competition at altitude. They executed brilliantly on the race strategies they individually developed and everyone raced competitively at altitude.
Here's a snapshot of the results:
Sprint Race
- Carson Peterson Youth (7.5K), shot 2+1, and finished 23:42.2 (3rd place, Bronze Medal Podium Finish). Carson raced up a level and competed in the Youth Men's class.
- Eric Anderson Youth (7.5K), shot 3+1, and finished 24:56.3 (4th place). Eric raced up a level and competed in the Youth Men's Class.
- Audrey Lahammer Youth (6K), shot 1+1, and finished 22:54.4 (3rd place, Bronze Medal Podium Finish). Audrey was tied for best shooter in the Women's Youth category
- Adelaide Bielke U17 (6K), shot 0+1, and finished 26:53.5 (8th place). Top shooter in U17 girls
Pursuit Race
- Carson Peterson Youth (10K), shot 0+1+3+3, and finished 35:58.3 (5th place). Carson raced up a level and competed in the Youth Men's Class.
- Eric Anderson Youth (10K), shot 1+2+4+2, and finished 36:00.2 (6th place). Eric raced up a level and competed in the Youth Men's Class.
- Audrey Lahammer Youth (7.5K), shot 1+1+4+1, and finished 41:42.6 (7th place). She tied for 3rd best shooter.
- Adelaide Bielke U17 (7.5K), shot 0+0+1+2, and finished 44:48.8 (7th place). Best shooter in U17 Girls class.
Relays
- Team Racer Girls finished 49:28.2 (7th place)(3x 1.5K P,P)
- Adelaide Bielke, shot 1+3, had rifle mechanical issues
- Teammate Megan Lemoine (Auburn Ski Club)
- Team Reverse Cowboys finished 48:58.6 (4th place)(3x1.5K P,S)
- Eric Anderson, shot 3+0, was cross-fired upon
- Teammates Van Ledger (Crosscut) and Scott Lacy (Crosscut)
- Team MMM Good, finished 51:24.8 (5th place)(3x1.5K P,S)
- Carson Peterson, shot 1+2
- Teammate Lucas Daly (HSC Mass)
- Team Shoot Ski Slayers, finished 1:01:04.8 (4th place) (3x1.5K P,S)
- Maeve Lindsay, shot 1+2
- Audrey Lahammer, shot 0+0
Liatoppen Biathlon Festival, Norway - April 2023
Liatoppen Biathlon Festival in Norway is the world's largest youth biathlon event in the world.
Jack Cashman was chosen by USBA to represent the USA at the Liatoppen Biathlon Festival in Norway and proudly donned an official red, white and blue race uniform. Quite an honor to be selected to represent the USA 🇺🇸 in the largest youth biathlon event in the world!
Jack had some EPIC races in the mountains of Liatoppen Norway and finished 4th in his first race and 9th in his second race!!!!
Jack shot 0+2 his first race & 2+2 in his second. He had to dig deep with an incredible amount of determination while skiing through an intense level of pain to make up ground finishing just shy of the podium and seizing an IMPRESSIVE 4th place!
Please join me in congratulating Jack on his EXCEPTIONAL races on the international stage in a country synonymous with the best that biathlon has to offer and Eric, Audrey, Carson and Adelaide on their IMPRESSIVE performances at the USBA National Championships.
Jack Cashman was chosen by USBA to represent the USA at the Liatoppen Biathlon Festival in Norway and proudly donned an official red, white and blue race uniform. Quite an honor to be selected to represent the USA 🇺🇸 in the largest youth biathlon event in the world!
Jack had some EPIC races in the mountains of Liatoppen Norway and finished 4th in his first race and 9th in his second race!!!!
Jack shot 0+2 his first race & 2+2 in his second. He had to dig deep with an incredible amount of determination while skiing through an intense level of pain to make up ground finishing just shy of the podium and seizing an IMPRESSIVE 4th place!
Please join me in congratulating Jack on his EXCEPTIONAL races on the international stage in a country synonymous with the best that biathlon has to offer and Eric, Audrey, Carson and Adelaide on their IMPRESSIVE performances at the USBA National Championships.
Local Red Wing Supporters of Bluff Country Biathlon
- Red Wing Sportsmen's Club - Board of Directors
- SPAVE- Susan Langer
- SPACE Trailers - Mari Bodensteiner, Rich Bodensteiner & Chris Shimek
- X-Vision Optics - Mari Bodensteiner, Rich Bodensteiner & Chris Shimek
- Coldwell Banker Nybo & Associates - Marisa and Tim Nybo
- Red Wing Bicycle & Outfitter - Andrew Petersen
- Sloan Construction & Concrete - Tim Sloan
- Tom Parker Electric - Andy
- Lange Spray Foam - Brian Lange
- Edward Jones - Office of Abra Hovgaard
- 3 Anonymous Donors
- Gary Iocco
- Steve Stegora
- Kevin Vacura
- Jeff Ekblad
- Kathy and Bruce Ause
Without your continued support, these exceptional and dedicated athletes wouldn't have the ability to compete at this elite level of competition.
The athletes, their parents and I thank you for making a significant difference in their lives.
The athletes, their parents and I thank you for making a significant difference in their lives.
With Gratitude,
Holly Hanson - Founder and Coach Bluff Country Biathlon
Holly Hanson - Founder and Coach Bluff Country Biathlon
Bluff Country Youth Biathlon Team - More Information