Eastern Region International Competition Trip – Lillehammer Training Camp and ASKO Cup Racing
Mar 1, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026 | Lillehammer, NOR & Gronjaer, NOR
In partnership with U.S. Biathlon, the Eastern Region is excited to announce an additional international competition trip for development athletes during the 2025-2026 season. This trip will provide a unique opportunity to train alongside one of the best biathlon clubs in Norway and compete in Norwegian ASKO Cup in Gronjaer, Norway:
- Lillehammer training camp:: March 2 - 8, 2026
- ASKO Cup, Gronjaer, Norway: March 12 -15, 2026
- Attend World Cup in Oslo, Norway (optional): March 19 - 22, 2026
This initiative aims to offer our athletes valuable international racing experience beyond the traditional IBU Cups and Junior Circuit, addressing the challenge many face in gaining such experience. Athletes from all regions are welcome to apply!
For additional information, please contact the Eastern Regional Coordinator, John Madigan, at jpmad2013@yahoo.com. We look forward to supporting our athletes in gaining valuable international race experience!
Up to 5 women and 5 men from the Senior and Junior IBU categories.
Team Selection:
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Selection will be made February 1, 2026
Selection will be based on applications reviewed by:
- Eastern Regional Coordinator
- U.S. Biathlon Director of Athlete Development
- Other Representatives (TBD)
Final Selection Date: February 1, 2026
Senior Athletes: Senior athletes are expected to compete in either the October or December IBU Cup Trials to be considered for this trip. Exceptions may be made.
Junior Athletes: Junior athletes are highly encouraged to compete in Junior Nationals & International Team Trials to be considered for this trip.
The selection committee is looking for athletes who demonstrate a proactive commitment to their development in both Biathlon and Nordic skiing. This includes seeking out race opportunities beyond the USBA trial events. Therefore, preference will be given to athletes seeking additional domestic race opportunities such as Regional Biathlon Races, JNQ Qualifiers, XC Nationals, and SuperTour Races. Examples of valuable race opportunities include:
- Eastern USA and Canadian Regional Cup #2, Fort Kent, Maine on January 24th - 26th
- US National Nordic Championships - Lake Placid, NY on January 4th - 9th
- U.S. Biathlon Regional Calendars can be found here
- U.S. Biathlon National Calendar can be found here
Applicants are expected to show a certain level of professionalism in their biathlon journey. The selection committee will look for things like training logs and a clear explanation from athletes on how this trip will impact their biathlon trajectory.
The trip will be self-pay. U.S. Biathlon will provide additional support, when available, to help make the trip as affordable as possible.
Dates: March 2-15, 2026
Optional Opportunity: Attend BMW IBU World Cup in Oslo, NOR March 19-22, 2026
The trip will be managed by volunteer coaches. Depending on team size, we anticipate 2-3 coaches will participate.