The Cariboo Ski Touring Club (CSTC) biathletes represented well in front of a hometown crowd last Sunday, standing tall on the podium across the various levels.
The event was a wind down for the club, as the B.C. Cup was over, allowing those too nervous to compete in the more nerve-wracking races their chance to have a go at the trails. The race capped a very successful season for CSTC.
“I’m really pleased with all the athletes and how the team progressed through the year,” coach Jim Crellin said.
Claire Elden climbed to the top of the podium in the midgets category.
In the juvenile category, the CSTC took first and second, with Graeme Hamelin nabbing first and Adam Osmond taking second.
CSTC took the same stages on the podium in junior girls. Kyra Teetzen took first, followed by Anni Kurta in second.
In junior boys, the CSTC took second and third. Ryan Elden came in second, followed by Tristan Langan.
Madison Roll took second in senior girls. Nicole deBlois took third in the same category.
Chris Elden took first for CSTC in the masters category.
In Recreational, Ginger Langan took second for CSTC.
Twenty-four athletes from Prince George, Vanderhoof and Quesnel took part in the relaxed race.
Local Biathlete to Represent BC at Nationals
Fifteen year old Madison Roll, of Quesnel, is one of seven senior girls from across the province selected to represent B.C. at the upcoming Biathlon National Championships.
“I would like to congratulate Maddy on being selected for the B.C. Team for Nationals. She has worked hard to achieve this goal, overcoming injuries that hindered her training and I am sure that with her drive and attitude she will do well at Nationals,” Crellin, said.
This year, Team B.C. is comprised of 24 athletes. It is the largest and highest ranking team they have sent to the National Finals.
The competition will feature top level athletes from across Canada and the U.S.
Nationals will take place at the Whistler Olympic Park, Callaghan Valley on March 15–20.
The sport of biathlon, which originated in Norway, combines skate skiing and target shooting with a specialized .22 caliber rifle.