Rural Maine County Hosts Biathlon World Cup

by Jay Field, NPR

Thousands of biathlon competitors and fans have gathered in rural Aroostook County in Maine for the sport's World Cup. More than 10 years ago, Aroostook, traditionally a hub for potato farming and logging, hatched a plan to reverse the stagnant wage growth and high unemployment that plague so many sparsely populated areas. The county already drew large numbers of snowmobilers to its network of well-groomed trails. So Aroostook set out to build on that base — by capitalizing on its long history of superb cross-country skiing and transforming itself into one of the world's premier Nordic sports destinations.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, February 8, 2011