This week, I participated in BSO’s annual GBRSAT training camp. For me, it turned into the most unforgettable part of my trip so far.

I still can’t quite believe I got to do something like this. I rode through a few of Europe’s most iconic mountain ranges, shot at different ranges each morning, and lived out a trip that many people dream of. And I didn’t just do it. My body was strong enough to enjoy every moment, every day, for five days.

Over the course of this camp, we biked and skied over 400 km (250 miles) and climbed 19,500 ft of elevation (the height of Denali), cycling in the Swiss Alps and Italian Dolomites. We biked through vineyards, around tropical lakes, and over legendary alpine passes. Every single view was stunning.

But what made this truly unique was that it wasn’t just a tour, it was a biathlon camp.

Each day, we ended our long ride at a new biathlon range. Our first session was in the Über Engadine, surrounded by a deep green valley in the Swiss Alps. We did our normal drills, but it was amazing to shoot next to ten athletes who are just as driven and goal-oriented as I am. It was powerful to practice my focus in that setting: ten to twenty rifles going off at different times and my job was to control just one. Sometimes I nailed it, sometimes I saw room for growth. That is exactly why I needed it.

Most of my past European experiences have been winter-based: cold, gray, and race-focused. They are all amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This trip was so contrastive. The sun was out. The roads were smooth and inviting. At the top of each pass, there was a hotel or rest stop where people gathered just to appreciate the view. It felt like every detail of this place had been designed to celebrate movement and nature.

I couldn’t pick a favorite pass if I tried. Each one offered something new. And the descents were long, winding, and safe. They were pure fun. I never got bored. Even when the scenery was “just” green hills and winding roads, it was different from anything at home.

One of the coolest surprises was on our ride through the Dolomites. We accidentally joined a massive bike festival and ended up riding the first two hours of our 6-hour day alongside thousands of cyclists. While it was definitely crowded, I thought it was the coolest bonus to the trip. It was inspiring to see how much cycling and endurance sports are loved and celebrated here.

Our final two days were spent in Italy’s Trentino-South Tyrol region, which will host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. After biking all the way there, it felt incredible to be greeted by flags and signs filled with Olympic pride. It felt symbolic. Just like we had arrived at a place that represented the future we’re all chasing.

It’s hard to put into words how much this trip meant to me. Again, not just as a biathlete, but as a person.

I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this happen. You didn’t just give me the chance to train in Europe; you afforded me the strength to keep chasing what’s next. These past five days were unforgettable, and with two more months of living and training in Switzerland ahead of me, I’m just getting started.

🚴‍♀️🏔️🎯

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