I just finished up my first real summer races of the season here in Ostersund, Sweden. We competed in a 12k cross race on Friday, sprint race on Saturday and a pursuit on Sunday. Overall I was pretty pleased with my performances here. I was able to work on some of the new techniques that I have been training both on the ski course and in the range. I would like to have shot a little better, but this was still better shooting than I have had here in the past.
These races were very helpful in evaluating what I need to work on over the next few months in the lead up to the season. My only real complaint about the events is that the “matched” skis were not even close to the same speed. It was like playing the lottery at the start of each race when they handed out skis. During the cross-country race I actually had a ski fall off on one of the downhills. Luckily, I was able to stay upright before going back to fetch my ski. For the sprint race I had great skis, probably better than most. And for the pursuit my skis were an absolute joke; I could not even stay in the draft of some of the others on the big downhill. I think if the IBU wants to continue with this summer racing series, then they at least need to make a test with the skis, which was not done here.
I will be in Sweden for one more week of training before heading down to Germany on September 1st. Thanks for checking in!
