RobtheAggie

That was a very good World Championships. Lots of good races, and a few boring ones. But the variety of winners, and cementing the battle on the women's side. To see the men's relay end with a French victory was great. Interesting view of winners and losers from the World Championships.

So with Ukraine getting a medal today, that leaves 9 nations. Maybe Oeberg tomorrow for #10!

All of this discussion about the individual has got me thinking about what other races, and locations. So, first thought, what about a 30 skier handicapped race on the IBU Cup. Just the pursuit, but in reverse order. Also, with the growing flight shaming movement in Europe, see the recent criticism that UEFA has gotten with the way the Euros are set up, could we see a reduction in the geographic footprint of the venues chosen? Just a question for discussion.

So what about this, if your nation is in the top ten on list, you need to use skiers 5 or 6 in the single mixed relay. 11 and higher, free game for the skiers. That way the smaller nations actually have a chance. As an aside, I think biathlon prizes are split the same for men and women. That is pretty impressive.

I am glad that there will be 30. Now how many at the end, I put the over/under at 17. Who wants to over? The US as expected puts Dunklee and Dogherty in the Single Mixed. If they avoid the penalty loop and miss 4 shots or under, they might get a medal. More likely they will have a melt down and crash hard. It was hard to watch Dunklee in the Pursuit go from chance at the podium to 5 misses on the last shoot. Ouch.

IBU announces a 4 year extension of broadcast rights.

Landertinger makes it 8 nations. 5 races left. I think that Sweden in good for one. Then either Ukraine, Switzerland or some flyer like Canada or Estonia.

Really unexpected, but I am super happy for him. He was the forgotten one when Bailey, Burke and Doherty were the stars. All for Americans were in the top 50. I do not remember when that last happened. Benny Weger with his best race in a long time.

There is an interview on the IBU website talking about it. It is an example of consistency.

I was thinking someone unexpected in the men's individual. One from the Mass starts and one in the relays. Maybe Switzerland for the women. Just my guesses.

What a fascinating championships so far. 7 nations who have won medals, the most surprising must be Susan Dunklee of the US. I think by the end, we will have 10 different nations who win medals.

Yup! I stay away from my computer for the day. Wow! 40% of this thread in 8 hours!

It will be sad to see her go. Thanks for the insights.

I just was able to watch the women's sprint. Very fun race to watch and so excited for Dunklee, but also Egan and Reid. Lots of crazy issues with shooting. I am looking forward to the men's sprint.

It was an interesting race. 6k goes by really fast for the men. US in 13th, about what I expected, they just do not have the depth.

Glad to hear that it will not be cancelled. Mink did a good job last season. It also gives Russian fans a close-ish venue.

Raubichi is making a bid to host the European Championships. US had 2 men qualify for the Super Spring Final. Good to see Schempp and Guigonnat skiing well. I thought Guigonnat was really going to play a big part of the French team this season, but he just has not had a great season.

Oops, "low key" was auto corrected from very happy. That is one of the strangest auto corrects that I have ever had.

Italy goes Vittozzi -Wierer-Hofer-Windisch I wonder how that first hand over will go? Or how they team will line up for a picture if they get a medal?

Yep, if the US gets anyone in the top 6 of any race, I would be ecstatic!

US goes with the expected 4 Dunklee-Egan-Nordgren-Doherty this has been standard since the retirement of Burke and Bailey. I would be estatic for a top 6, but top 10 seems reasonable.

It is quite possible that the European Biathlon Championships scheduled for Estonia in a few weeks will be cancelled. Otepää is dealing with rain and warm weather. Here is the main stadium on 31 January. That would make 3 events on the IBU Cup that have been relocated/cancelled.

Thanks for posting the link.

Named to the U.S. women’s team for the Open European Championships at the end of the month are Deedra Irwin Hallie Grossman (South Burlington, Vermont) Kelsey Dickinson (Winthrop, Washington) Maddie Phaneuf (Old Forge) Kelly Kjorlien (Bozeman, Montana), Men's team is Max Durtschi Alex Howe (Gilford, New Hampshire) Travis Cooper (Kenai, Alaska) Raleigh Goessling (Duluth, Minnesota) Luke Brown (Bozeman, Montana)

US Roster: Susan Dunklee (Barton, Vermont) Clare Egan (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) Joanne Reid (Grand Junction, Colorado) Emily Dreissigacker (Morrisville, Vermont) Alternate - Deedra Irwin (Pulaski, Wisconsin). Sean Doherty (Center Conway, New Hampshire) Leif Nordgren (Hinesburg, Vermont) Jake Brown (Saint Paul, Minnesota) Paul Schommer (Appleton, Wisconsin) Alternate - Max Durtschi (Ketchum, Idaho) Kazkhstan has banned 4 athletes from the World Championships for disorderly conduct. Anton Antlers 4 years, Timur Stubby (either Kuts or Khamitgatin) 1 year Vitenko Vladislav 1 year Roman Yeremin 1 year Some of the athletes I could not figure out how the Google translator changed the name. Bulgaria: Vladimir Iliev Krasimir Anev Dimitar Gerdjikov Anton Sipanov Vladimir Oryashkov, Milena Todorova Maria Zdravkova Daniela Kadeva Dafinka Koeva