Tyson Smith probably shouldn’t have won the men’s 10 kilometre biathlon race on Sunday.
Feeling sore from a high physical intensity week between classes at the University of Calgary, he slept in and missed his zero appointment, which allows shooters to correct for the wind.
However, in a testament to his skill and fitness, Smith was triumphant with a time of 28:50.4, ahead of Robin Clegg (29:19.9) and Matt Neumann (29:28) on Sunday (Jan. 8) at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
“The body is not feeling good, but mentally I feel stronger. I’m not just focused on biathlon the whole year,” said Smith, who plans to complete his studies in geology.
Smith took his time with his rifle, shooting eight for 10 on the range – the top shooter on the day. The national development team member said biathlon is now a stress reliever from study time.
“I’ve got to still have fun. This is the way to do it,” Smith said.
While biathlon has been the main focus for much of his teenage years, he’s got other plans now.
“I want to make some big bucks. Biathlon wasn’t cutting it,” Smith joked.
In the junior men’s race, Macx Davies had the fastest skis of the day. Despite missing five targets, he won the race in a time of 30:13.5, finishing ahead of William Poffenroth (31:44.9) and Andrew Chisholm (31:58).
“Less shooting” was the secret to Davies’ win, he said, as the sprint proved to be his better race.
“Not having minute penalties. That really helps me,” said the Canmore native.
The race was still a warm-up for Davies and Chisholm, who have biathlon trials in February. Both want to compete in the world junior championships this year.
“I feel a bit tired. It’s not that I can’t go, it’s just a bit harder,” Davies said.
“We’re coming off a big training block, and I’m still feeling it a bit, but I trust we’re on the right track,” Chisholm said.
Chisholm shot well and had fast skis on Saturday in the 15 km individual race (40:19.3), and also got a push from his Canmore Nordic Ski Club teammate Davies (41:43.4.). Ryan Burlinggame finished third.
“Saturday was awesome. I was stuck in third gear for much of the race, but after Macx passed me I was able to find fifth gear and have a really good last lap. Macx is good at p—ing me off,” Chisholm said.
Kurtis Wenzel won the men’s race on Saturday, missing only two targets in the 20 km race while finishing 28 seconds ahead of Rocky Mountain Racer teammate Aaron Gilmor. Smith was third.
