Governor John E. Baldacci today joined representatives from the Nordic Heritage Center, the Maine Winter Sports Center, the U.S. Biathlon Association and the Libra Foundation to announce that Maine will be hosting two 2011 Biathlon World Cup events. The addition by the International Biathlon Union to put Presque Isle’s Nordic Heritage Center on the World Cup schedule means that Maine will host the entire 2011 North American World Cup Tour in February 2011, attracting tourists for the events and giving Maine international attention for two full weeks.

“This is a great day for Aroostook County and all of Maine,” said Governor Baldacci. “The State has quickly built a track record across the globe for being an attractive site for Biathlon. The reputation that has been earned is in large part due to the partners here, and also to countless people in Maine who have volunteered and otherwise contributed to the Biathlon events that have already been held in Maine. We are proud to be on the world stage.”

Today’s announcement gives the Nordic Heritage Center its first World Cup, which will run February 4-6, 2011. A week later, Fort Kent will host its World Cup event, which runs February 10-13, 2011.

“Fort Kent and Presque Isle have a demonstrated ability to hold these world-class events, and I know that they will rise to the challenge again in 2011,” said Congressman Mike Michaud in a statement. “I’d like to congratulate the Nordic Heritage Center’s volunteers on this great news and thank them for all they did to secure this important event. Both biathlon events will showcase the best of what Maine has to offer and provide a significant economic boost to the region. I am hopeful that the millions of international television viewers are inspired to visit Maine for years to come.”

Maine hosted its first World Cup event in Fort Kent just 6 years ago. Then in 2006 – just two years later – Presque Isle hosted a World Junior Championship.

“Biathlon is an economic engine for the State, especially in regards to building tourism from Europe,” said Governor Baldacci. “The events are a great way to showcase all the wonderful attributes that Maine offers tourists, and also goes a long way to promote healthy lifestyles for children and adults alike.”