Burke Stays Hot in Slovenia, 14th in World Cup Biathlon 20km

Pokljuka, Slovenia – Tim Burke (USA) continues to be a force on the World Cup Biathlon circuit, turning in his 5th consecutive top-20 finish.

Burke skied very well, posting the 3rd fastest ski time of the day, but he was kept off the podium by his shooting.  In the 20km individual, biathletes do not ski a penalty loop for misses, but are instead assessed a one minute penalty.  Only one skier ahead of Burke had the same 3 misses – Frode Andersen (NOR) who finished 7th.

Two misses and Burke would have been 4th.  One miss and we would have won.

Still, it was another solid day for the top American, who finished on the podium twice two weeks ago.  Today he was 1:45 behind winner Christoph Sumann (AUT).

Simon Fourcade (FRA) was 2nd, +14.2, and Alexander Os (NOR) 3rd, +30.7.

Scott Perras led the Canadian team in 32nd, setting a career-best in his first World Cup start of the season.

“It feels great especially to justify the coaches decision to bring me up here and race,” said Perras, whose goal was to get into the top-30. I really wanted to get into the top-30 but I really didn’t have the next three seconds left in me.”

Perras missed just two shots in his four bouts of shooting while enjoying a nearly perfect day.

“I was very comfortable in my mind. I was telling myself to take care of the little things without getting nervous,” said Perras. “Everything was completely technical today and I was in the moment. Hopefully I can keep the ball rolling during the weekend.”

Perras’ previous best finish was a 43rd last year in Austria.

Lowell Bailey (USA) was 36th, missing three shots, and finishing 18 seconds out of the points, for his top finish of the year.

Jeremy Teela and Kevin Patzoldt were 51st and 100th respectively for the US.

Men’s 20km Individual – Complete Results