December 4, 2008 (Ostersund, Sweden) – Amid the falling snow and under the bright lights of the biathlon stadium in Ostersund, Lowell Bailey, of Lake Placid, NY started the season with his second best World Cup finish ever.

Showing great confidence on the shooting range Lowell hit 19 of 20 targets in 20 km Individual competition today. The skiing however was more challenging. With all the new snow on course and a relatively early start number (25 out of 120), he suffered what was a very long 20 km for all the competitors. But after his last shooting stage he found the energy to make up five places in the last four km – moving from 20th to 15th.

“It felt really good to be able to bring the successful shooting I have had in training to the first competition of the season,” Lowell reflected after the race. “I am really looking forward to the next race on Saturday.”

Teammates Jay Hakkinen, Jeremy Teela and Russell Currier all suffered tough days on the shooting range finishing 62nd, 102nd, and 109th respectively. Tim Burke sat out the race recovering from a cold but plans to start on Saturday. Complete results can be found here.

Thursday is the womens turn to open the season in the 15 km Individual. Starting for the US Team are Lanny Barnes, Tracy Barnes, Haley Johnson, and Laura Spector. Visit www.Biathlonworld.com to watch the live video and data stream at 11:15 AM Eastern Time.