December 4, 2008 (Ostersund, Sweden) – The season has finally started. It feels like I was just in Ostersund, Sweden for the Biathlon World Championships last February. Hard to believe another training season has passed and we’re once again at the start line of a new World Cup series. Yesterday was the first race of the year, a 20km Individual. We received about 10cm of new snow throughout the 48 hours leading up to the race and by start time (5:15pm), the snow still hadn’t let up.

This, coupled with a grueling course profile, made for one of the toughest 20k’s I can remember. It took me a little while to adjust to the slower, softer conditions but my shooting went well and I was happy with my race. I placed 15th with one penalty (in my first standing stage). I have really been enjoying the new skis this year. It’s nice to be back on that “Rossi” feel where the ski seems to give something back with each push. Hope everyone is enjoying early winter.