Training [currently planned only]

Regular training will be on roller-skis and using laser rifles, taking place in a number of venues, some remain to be confirmed.

1. Equipment is currently in the procurement stage, in order that potential athletes holding their own helmet, gloves and knee/elbow pads can try the roller-skiing component of the sport without further cost.
2. It is very likely that stand-ski training will be up-and-running before VESPA has the opportunity to source sit-ski frames.
3. Once training is ongoing, Victoria Park Racetrack, Adelaide CBD will hold the first sessions. This community venue is an excellent starting place for novices, being very flat but with one or two gentlest of slopes.
4. Linear Park, which stretches from the north east suburbs, following the Torrens through the city and out to Henley Beach, will be used for more advanced training.
5. The roller-biathlon venue at Albury/Wodonga, on the NSW/Victorian border, will also be used for training and camps, thanks to our partners at Mountain Sports.
6. Biathlon camps and training on snow will take place at Australia’s only biathlon facility at Whiskey Flat, Mt. Hotham, Victoria.
7. Our partners and mother association, the Australian Biathlon Association are seeking to add a Parabiathlon component to their national championships at Hotham, held every August.
8. VESPA will be heavily involved in the planning and organisation of this aspect of the event, where ABA Coaches and the Australian National Biathlon Team Coach, Luca Bormolini, will be available to give top-class guidance in both disciplines of the sport.
9. Intent is also for our athletes to enter the Kangaroo Hoppet; a Nordic Ski race which is part of the international World Loppet series, held at Falls Creek, Victoria. Racers can enter either 7km Joey race, the 21km Birkbeiner or the full Hoppet 42km marathon.
10. Coaches for both roller and snow skiing are being sought via the Australian Biathlon Association, in order to begin training in a fashion which will not breed and embed bad habits.