International biathlon inspectors
like what they see
Staff photo/Scott Mitchell Johnson
OFFICIAL INSPECTION — Three representatives from the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in Salzburg, Austria were in Presque Isle last week inspecting the grounds and facilities at the Nordic Heritage Center and meeting with members of the local organizing committee as Aroostook County prepares to host the 2014 IBU Youth/Junior World Championships.
Participating in the inspection were, from left: Borut Nunar, IBU assistant race director; Max Saenger, event consultant; Jeff Dubis, chief of competition; Tanja Ohlson, IBU communication assistant; Dave Cambridge, chief of course; Jane Towle, event director; Greg Smith, chief of timing; Bob White, competition secretary; and Steve Towle, event manager. The international competition will be held Feb. 28-March 7, 2014.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Three representatives from the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in Salzburg, Austria were in the Star City last week inspecting the grounds and facilities at the Nordic Heritage Center and meeting with members of the local organizing committee as Aroostook County prepares to host the 2014 IBU Youth/Junior World Championships.
IBU officials reviewed the various competition areas that will be utilized at the facility such as the biathlon shooting range, timing mechanics, the course, venue, and overall event logistics including safety and security, volunteers, hospitality accommodations, and the athlete accreditation process.
“So far we are very happy with what we’ve seen. All the responsible people were really well prepared and we got all the answers to our questions,” said Borut Nunar, who will be the race director for the Youth/Junior World Championships. “Not so long ago Presque Isle hosted the World Cup which was a nice test for the Youth/Junior World Championships.
“We haven’t seen any big issues; just small details which always exist and always will. With six months to go before the event, Presque Isle is definitely ready,” he said. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed that we will have nice conditions for the athletes, who are our main focus. They have to have a feeling that this is a big, well-prepared event and that they are the main actors in this; not the functionists, not the local organizing committee, but the athletes, and we’re off to a good start.”
The international event will bring upwards of 350 of the world’s top biathletes, under the age of 21, from more than 30 countries to Aroostook County for the competition that will take place from Feb. 28-March 7, 2014.
Tanja Ohlson, IBU communication assistant, said the preparation on the part of the local organizing committee has been “really great.”
“They have outdone themselves,” she said. “This is my first time here, but with the setup of the stadium, I can really picture how it’s going to be in the winter and I think it’s going to be an excellent event. Presque Isle looks very scenic and the downtown is nice with many little shops. It has a nice American feel to it. I’m looking forward to returning next year.”
Ohlson said next year’s Youth/Junior World Championships will be IBU’s “most important event.”
“Usually we have Senior World Championships, but we won’t next year because of the Winter Olympics,” she said. “I hope there are a lot of spectators who watch our event in Presque Isle. It’s heart-warming to watch those young athletes; they’re so enthusiastic and they’re top-notch. These are the athletes who will one day compete in the World Cup and — in a few years — winning Olympic medals. It’s exciting.”
Event director Jane Towle said she felt the inspection went smoothly.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking for the organizing committee to have the IBU officials here, but it’s a real landmark point in the process. If we can pass this inspection with flying colors, we’ll be well prepared to continue on with the push,” she said. “We’ve been very pleased. This morning has been a great success and we’re very relieved.
“Now the communication becomes very intense between Europe and our venue here. They will not be back until just days prior to the race, so we have to be ready and have open communication. Some things we can do now; some things we have to wait until later,” said Towle. “We’ll have a wrap-up meeting of this inspection, everybody will have their to-do lists, and we’ll move on.”
The IBU contingent arrived in Presque Isle last Wednesday from Calgary and flew back to Austria Friday. Towle said before leaving, IBU officials graded the local organizing committee/venue an A+.
