The Canmore Nordic Center did an excellent job preparing separate courses so that an Alberta Cup XC Ski Race and North American Cup Biathlon Races could be held simultaneously on the same weekend. Since the Biathlon Races were held mostly on the cross country side the preceding weekend – the Biathlon races were held on a 2.5 km loop. It was supposed to be near 0 F races for both Sat and Sun. Warmer then expected conditions (still cold) were found by the competitors on Saturday for the 10km Sprint. Most of the strong Canadians left for Europe to race in IBU Cup Races.
Russell Currier was the fastest Biathlete with clean shooting, hitting 10 out 10 shots for the day. With Junior Skier Leif Nordgren finishing a close second. Dan Campbell also had a great day on the range shooting clean. Wynn Roberts and Zach Hall were close behind with one penalty each for the day.
On the Women’s side the US also had a clean sweep with Susan Dunklee leading the charge with 1 miss. Dunklee was followed distantly by a pack of Women 2 minutes behind who all had experienced difficulty on the range. Which was in order Jennifer Wygant, Laura Spector, Katrina Howe, Anneleis Cook, Beth Ann Chamberlain.
On Sunday due to the extreme cold conditions the race was a modified 20 km distance race where most of the US Contingent decided to sit out in order to prepare for the Olympic tryouts starting next weekend at Mt Itasca, MN. Duncan Douglas representing National Guard Biathlon out dueled Dan Campbell, the Montana Mountain Man, to take the win. Of note the “Evil” or “Benevolent” Doug Bernard depending on circumstances finished third.
