nternational Biathlon Union Cup results have given Canada optimism looking forward to world cup races next year as international sharpshooting and speedy skiing finished in Canmore this past weekend.
The mixed relay race was the final event to get underway on Saturday (March 7) at the Canmore Nordic Centre as the Canadians – Emma Lunder, Zina Kocher, Marc Andre Bedard and Macx Davies – finished seventh in the 2 X 6 kilometre and 2 X 7.5 km in 1:08:54.7.
France won the relay in 1:07.05, while members of team Austria jumped in excitement as their final member crossed the finish to capture the silver medal. Team Italy lost an early lead and took home the bronze.
Over the course of the IBU, the Canuck women excelled in four solo races, having cracked the top six in each, which included two silver medal wins, while the men consistently saw strong outings from Olympian Bedard.
Chris Lindsay, the high performance director for Biathlon Canada, said Canada reached its medal-winning goal and were able to challenge a high level of athlete on the international field.
“I think we had a lot of success, especially on the women’s side … (for the men) we saw some improvement, and it was difficult, especially yesterday. The conditions broke down really quickly and unfortunately we weren’t as ready for those changing conditions as we could have been. But it’s true, I would have liked to see more performances out of the men,” Lindsay said.
“That said, they were all trying hard, I didn’t see anyone pulling any punches, they were aggressive when they needed to be aggressive and unfortunately, sometimes it just didn’t pay off the way we wanted it to.”
Lindsay praised Bedard who performed “fantastic and above expectations” in the highly competitive men’s field. Bedard finished 7th in the 20-km individual race on March 4th, shooting 18/20, which was his strongest placing throughout the IBU. Bedard said his hunger and enjoyment on the course has returned to him.
“Every race has the same approach. I want to have fun and embrace the (suffering). You’ve got to push yourself and get in that zone,” Bedard said.
“I’m happy, it’s been fun. I love this sport … I’m not kidding when I say I’m smiling during the race.”
Half of the Biathlon Canada team was on hand to participate and to get a feel for the level of racing, said Lindsay.
“I think developmentally, especially for the younger athletes who were here, like Aiden Millar, this is exactly what we need going forward,” Lindsay said.
Canmore’s Millar was the fastest Canadian on March 6, finishing 32nd in the IBU Cup 8 10-km men’s sprint. Millar had a bit of nerves going into the race, but didn’t let that get in the way of a long awaited dream.
“Ever since world juniors were in Canmore in 2009 I’ve dreamed of racing international at home, so it was an amazing experience,” said the 19-year-old, who shot 8/10 and clocked in at 28:46.2.
The organizing committee will now debrief the races, and begin preparations for world cup races in Canmore in February 2016.
