March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

U.S. Biathlon Association reviewing County sites

The United States Biathlon Association is reviewing sites in Aroostook County as a possible location for an athlete development center.

Biathlon, considered one of the most difficult Olympic sports, combines expertise in cross country skiing and rifle marksmanship. Training sites are presently located in Jerico, Vt.; Minneapolis, Minn.; and Park City, Utah.

“We are considering Aroostook County because of its long tradition of outdoor sports including cross country skiing and its abundant snowfall,” said Lyle Nelson, president of the United States Biathlon Association.

Nelson, a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, is a four-time Olympic Biathlon Team member and was the United States Team flag bearer at the 1998 Olympic games in Calgary.

Stephen R. Sands, the executive director of the United States Biathlon Association located on the campus of St. Michael’s College in Vermont, said that the Scandinavian heritage of many in Aroostook County, including residents in the towns of New Sweden and Stockholm, Maine, contribute to the association’s interest in having a training site in Northern Maine.

L.L. Bean of Freeport, a premier outdoor retailer, is a sponsor of the United States Olympic Biathlon Team. Andrew Shephard, product manager of L.L. Bean and a member of the Board of Directors of the Biathlon Association, described northern Maine as a “perfect venue” for biathlon training. The association may consider the former Loring Air Base as a possible training center.

Executives of the United States Biathlon Association plan a visit to Loring and Aroostook County on July 21. A meeting has been scheduled with Gov. Angus King who will be at Loring for other engagements that day.

The Loring Development authority plans a tour of the facility after the meeting with King. Brian Hamel, president of the Loring Development Authority, indicated that he looked forward to showing the members of the association what Loring has to offer.

An afternoon meeting is also planned with Machael Easton, president of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, and members of the UMPI staff.


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