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Smith’s retirement shakes up biathlon teams

CANMORE – The unexpected retirement of Nathan Smith has given Canadian biathletes a new target to aim for.
Biathlon Trials Sprint Race
Canadian biathlete Jules Burnotte, pictured, replaces retiring Nathan Smith on the national world cup team.

CANMORE – The unexpected retirement of Nathan Smith has given Canadian biathletes a new target to aim for.

Following the biathlete great’s departure from the sport last week, IBU team standout Jules Burnotte, 23, has been integrated into the elite 2018-19 world cup squad to fill Smith’s spot.

Smith’s departure and Burnotte’s call up, opens up a spot for hungry biathletes on the NorAm circuit eager to compete on the four-man IBU team.

In an email, Jeff Lodge, head coach of Canada’s IBU teams, said a decision would be made in 2019 on what’s happening with the IBU team.

“Once teams are set for the new year, for the WC tours and IBU tours, Biathlon Canada will make an announcement,” wrote Lodge, in an email to the Outlook.

IBU racers are developing to eventually take over spots on the top circuit world cup men and women teams.

Quebec’s Burnotte, who was originally selected to the 2018-19 IBU team, impressed Biathlon Canada head coach Matthias Ahrens at the annual trial races this past November at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Burnotte placed third in the men’s sprint, ahead of Olympians Smith and Brendan Green.

“He’s a diamond in the rough, I’d call him,” said Ahrens. “Him stepping in, hopefully he goes down a path and performs like Nathan did.”


Jordan Small

About the Author: Jordan Small

An award-winning reporter, Jordan Small has covered sports, the arts, and news in the Bow Valley since 2014. Originally from Barrie, Ont., Jordan has lived in Alberta since 2013.
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