IRON MOUNTAIN - The leader of the 2011-12 Continental Cup Series will be bringing his skills to the Bellin Health Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Tournament on Feb. 10-12.
Norwegian Andreas Stjernen has a 95 point lead over his nearest competitor, and since September and 15 Continental Cup events, has 12 top 10 finishes and seven top five's, including two wins, Kiwanis Ski Club officials reported.
Stjernan leads a Norwegian team of five skiers all in the top 30 in Continental Cup standings.
"Athletes to keep your eye on for a strong performance include Peter Frenette from the U.S., Manuel Poppinger and Daniel Lackner from Austria, Robert Hrgota, Mitja Meznar and Ziga Mandl of Slovenia, Antonin Hajek of the Czech Republic," said Susie Fox, of the Kiwanis Ski Club. "You can bank on a few surprises as some of these young athletes will attack Pine Mountain for the first time and find out what others have in the past - what a great ski jumping hill Pine Mountain is to fly on."
"Joining the strong team from Norway will be the ever present Austrians, Slovenians, Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Ukraine, Germany and the United States," Fox said.
More than 50 skiers will participate in the Bellin Health Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Tournament.
The schedule of events for the upcoming competition include:
- Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., "Meet The Skiers" at Pine Mountain Resort. This is an informal gathering to meet the skiers and coaches as well as get autographs. There is no charge for this event, although reservations are requested by calling the Dickinson Area Partnership at 774-2002.
- Friday, Feb. 10, official training for the athletes at 1 p.m., weather permitting.
- Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., U.S. Ski Jumping Team fundraiser at Sol Blu in downtown Iron Mountain. There is a $10 admission fee. Current and former members of the U.S. Ski Team will be in attendance. Prizes to be given away. All proceeds will go to the self-funded U.S. Ski Jumping Team (men and women). Band to follow at 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m., trial round; 12:15 p.m., opening ceremony; 1 p.m.,
competition (weather permitting).
- Sunday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., trial round; 12:15 p.m., opening ceremony; 1 p.m., competition (weather permitting).
Booster (admission) buttons are available at numerous locations throughout the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area or by mail order through the Dickinson Area Partnership by calling 1-800-774-2002.
Pre-Sale buttons are $20 for adults and $15 for students 11-17 years of age; 10 and under are free.
Pre-Sales end Thursday, Feb. 9, after which buttons may be purchased at the entrance to the event. Gate prices are $25 for adults and $20 for students.
Concessions available on site but carry-ins and tailgating are welcomed.
For more information, contact the Kiwanis Ski Club at 779-1110.