US Biathlon Athletes Increasingly Tech-Savvy to Gain a Competitive Edge in 2006 Winter Olympics

BOOTHWYN, PA …. In a sport that demands precise weather calculations for optimal performance, the 2006 U.S. Biathlon Team has turned to sponsor Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters to help gain a competitive advantage in this year’s Winter Olympics in Turino, Italy.

Biathletes make strategic decisions that rely heavily on the weather. The Kestrel 4000 is a pocket-sized, highly accurate weather instrument that instantly provides winter athletes with the weather information they need. According to U.S. Biathlon Team members Tracy and Lanny Barnes, the Kestrel 4000 gives them a competitive edge: "As the sport becomes more technologically advanced, it’s important to stay ahead of the game when it comes to waxing our skis and being prepared for windy conditions in the shooting range. Kestrel Weather Meters give us an advantage over other countries by keeping track of last minute changes in the weather before and during a race."

The technicians of the US Biathlon Team also rely on the Kestrel’s right here, right now weather readings to avoid using the wrong ski wax and costing their athlete valuable seconds. “Now it’s getting interesting with the Kestrel 4000. For the first time, we are able to see exact weather changes every day while training for the Olympics.” said Bernd Eisenbichler, Head-Technician for the US-Biathlon Team.

Weather plays a role in every aspect of the sport. On the shooting range, the smallest gust of wind can result in a missed target. Weighing in at under 4 ounces, the Kestrel 4000 is light enough for athletes to carry with them, and makes it possible for them to ski into the range to quickly assess the crosswinds and plan necessary targeting adjustments. Additionally, ambient temperature plays a role in ammunition selection. The Kestrel 4000 is equipped with a quick response external thermistor that takes highly accurate temperature readings instantaneously. 

Nielsen-Kellerman has been developing and manufacturing Kestrel Pocket Weather instruments since 1996. The Kestrel 4000 measures and stores data on every major environmental condition including barometric pressure, altitude, temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind chill, dewpoint and wet bulb temperature. Kestrel Pocket Weather Meters is proud to support the 2006 U.S. Biathlon Team, and wishes them the best of luck in their quest for gold in Turino!

Know Your Conditions

For more information, contact Amy Winner at 610.447.1555 x219,
or visit www.nkhome.com.

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