NORWAY — The season’s opening ski biathlon was held by the Western Foothills Land Trust at Roberts Farm Preserve on Dec 29.

Races offered were 3 x 1k and 3 x 2k, with the bulk of the field choosing the latter. The Southern Maine Biathlon Club partnered once again with the Trust providing an additional five air rifle stations for the event.

Leading the adult pack at were Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School graduates Spencer Eusden (’09) and Riley Eusden (’10), who have continued to hone their Nordic skills with the Bowdoin Nordic team. Spencer, who graduated from Bowdoin last spring, is currently in Utah trying out for the U.S. Olympic Team. Their participation raised the bar and provided everyone present with a taste of what will be seen at the Sochi Olympics this February.

Spencer came in first with a time of 17:02 minutes, Riley came in with 19:09 minutes and Ben Tipton of Woolwich placed third with 24:42. Just off platform time were another pair of brothers, also OHCHS graduates, John and Rocky Crockett.

Eleven-year-old Mikail Tipton, who competes with the Mt. Ararat Middle School Nordic team, was the youngest male to complete the 3 x 2k.

Sarah Carter took the gold for the women, followed by Stephanie Noyes of Cumberland and Rebecca Blakeley. Nine-year-old Owen Mahoney of Whitefield and Inga Johannesson of Poland completed the 3 x 1k course in swift times.

Following the adult races, three serious youth skiers completed in the “little littles” race: Mina Johannessen, Alex Le Duc and Abby Toohey were inspiring on skis and with the targets.

The next scheduled biathlon is Saturday, Jan. 25, at Roberts Farm Preserve. Registration will open on site at 9 and the races will start at 11. All winter programs may be found at www.wfltmaine.org and on the Roberts Farm facebook page.

For additional information, contact 739-2124.

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