BOOTHWYN, Pa., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 Turin, 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. U.S. Biathlon member Tracy Barnes says the Kestrel 4000 provides a competitive edge.

"As the sport becomes more technologically advanced, it's important to stay ahead of the game when it comes to our skis and being prepared for windy conditions in the shooting range," says Barnes.

The technicians of the U.S. Biathlon Team also rely on the Kestrel to avoid using the wrong ski wax and costing their athletes 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 U.S. 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 less than 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, dew point 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 Torino!

-Know Your Conditions-

For more information, visit http://www.nkhome.com/

CONTACT: Christy Munding, Nielsen-Kellerman, +1-610-447-1555 x227,
cmunding@nkhome.com

Web site: http://www.nkhome.com/

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