FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks Nordic skiing team has announced the signing of Mathieu Garcia. Garcia is from Villard-De-Lans, France, and is set to ski for the Blue and Gold next season.

"We are excited to welcome Mathieu to the Nanook Skiing family!" said head coach Ben Buck. "Although his primary focus has been biathlon over the past several years, he is an exceptional ski racer who will bring a level of experience and maturity to our young and talented roster. I look forward to working with him as he transitions to the sport of cross country!"

Garcia made his name in biathlon, competing for Comité du Dauphiné as his club team, and was also a member of the French Junior Team. Garcia announced himself at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, where he recorded three medals in biathlon. He secured bronze in the boys' 12.5 km individual biathlon and the mixed relay, and grabbed gold in the single mixed relay. He added another medal in the 2021 Biathlon Junior World Championships, taking silver in the 3×7.5 km Relay.

Garcia shared his excitement on his shift to Nordic skiing. "I am excited to blend my biathlon roots with the team's cross-country culture and keep pushing our limits together in the wild and beautiful Alaskan environment!"

Garcia is the fifth announced addition to the Nanooks Nordic skiing roster.

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