Sports in brief . . .

Biathlon news
    Haley Johnson and Laura Spector were named to the five woman team that will represent the U.S. at the Biathlon World Championships in Ostersund, Sweden Feb. 8th to the 17th.         Johnson secured her spot this weekend by leading the U.S. team and placing 12th and 19th at the European Cup in Osrblie, Slovakia.     Spector secured her spot last weekend by qualifying as the top junior and the second woman overall from the first two NorAm events in Dec. and the European Cup in Langdorf, Germany.
UMPI events
    The following sport event will take place at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
    Climbing nights will be offered now through May at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Climbing nights will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 4th, Mar. 3rd, Apr. 7th and May 5th.
    No experience is required. Please wear something comfortable to move in (no shorts permitted). There is no cost for members. $10 fee for non-members. Contact Amanda Morin for more information at Amanda.morin@umpi.maine.edu
Maine Winter Sports Center announcements
    Today, MOJO’s will host a triathlon prep clinic from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a informational talk on the event. For more information, contact Melanie Stewart at 760-9500.    
    On Saturday, Jan. 26th there will be an Ashland ski club family fun day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a hot dog cookout, games and races.
    For more information, contact Mark Shea at mark@mainewsc.org.
    On Jan. 26th, MOJO’s will host a ski venture for ladies beginning at 10th Mountain Center and go to Caribou Ski Trails. In the afternoon, the group will ski on the Aroostook State Park trails and end at the Nordic Heritage Center. The cost is $15. For more information and to reserve a place, call 760-9500.
    On Sunday, Jan. 27th the New Sweden Ski Dag, an eight km classic race will be held at New Sweden School trails. For more information, contact Ernie Easter at eeaster@mlti.org.
    On Wednesday, Jan. 30th MOJO’s will host a men’s wax night from 7 to 9 p.m. for waxing tips.
    MWSC is coordinating a trip to the Gatineau World Loppet just outside Ottawa to depart on Feb. 15th and return on Feb. 17th. In addition to skiing, participants will explore Ottawa.
    MWSC will cover transportation costs; lodging is $150 per night for two nights. Entry and associated fees are the responsibility of each participant. Contact John Farra for more information at john@mainewsc.org.
    From now through March, ski free Wednesdays will be offered at Big Rock from 4 to 9 p.m. Evenings will include free skiing, a free half hour lesson and $10 rentals.
    For more information, visit www.bigrockmaine.com.
Quoggy Jo ski lessons
    Quoggy Jo Ski Center is offering free lift tickets and half price rentals to elementary students from Washburn and Caribou on Saturday, Jan. 26.
    Ski lessons are offered at no charge. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 764-3248 or 764-3016.
Motorcycle Rider Education course offered
    The Aroostook County Motorcycle Rider Education course will be offered in April, but registration for classes began on Jan. 15.
    A Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified Rider Coach will teach the course.
    The class format engages students in discussion and range riding participation.
    Those completing the course by obtaining an 80 percent or above on the knowledge test, with 20 or less points on a skill evaluation will receive a motorcycle driver’s license endorsement.
    Classes fill quickly. Motorcycles are supplied for the three-week course.
    To register or for more information, call 532-6505 after 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.