January 19, 2006 – Sarah Konrad-Alpina/Madshus Named to Both 2006 United States Cross Country 2006 United States Olympic Biathlon Teams

Sarah Konrad was named today to the 2006 United States Cross Country Team, just 2 weeks after being named to the 2006 United States Olympic Biathlon Team. This phenomenal achievement will put Konrad in the history books as the first US athlete to compete in these two separate disciplines in the same Olympics.

Konrad who is currently racing and training over in Europe said “It has been a goal for awhile now, and I am thrilled to have reached this level.”

Konrad, 38 from Laramie, Wyoming had given up her job last year to focus on training full time for the Olympics. All the hard work paid off! Konrad said “I’ve completely committed myself to this, giving up job and many other activities that I enjoyed. However, it certainly does not feel like a sacrifice, because I very much wanted to do it. Even if it hadn’t paid off with the Olympics, I would not have regretted the past years training. But it is certainly sweeter this way!”

Sarah has perennially been U.S. skiing’s skate specialty underdog. As a member of the 2005 XC World Championship team she placed 26th in the 10K skate, one of the top finishes of any female skier in the U.S. Given her specialty in skating, she moved over into Biathlon where in two years she has had tremendous success.

Madshus, Alpina and Rottefella have been avid supporters of Sarah for over ten years. “We are delighted to see Sarah make not just one, but both Olympic Teams,” says Peter Hale, Technical Service Director for Alpina Sports. “She has both an exceptional attitude and a natural talent. Sarah has always just wanted to race, and show what she can do, and she has earned every bit of admiration coming her way now….Sarah has always been great to work with, and very much an active, loyal partner in our program,”

Konrad’s Plans for the next month before the Olympics are to continue to stay in Europe “I will be with the biathlon team training in Ridnaun for a 10 day pre Olympic camp at altitude. I will focus my training on biathlon, but increase the length of some of the intensity workouts to help in preparation for the XC 30K.”

For continued race coverage and news visit the ASC website at www.alpinasports.com.