March 22, 2007 (Charlo, NB) – Day one of the 2007 Biathlon Canadian Championships got underway, Thursday, in Charlo, New Brunswick. Sandra Keith and Jean-Philippe Leguellec were the first to be crowned national champions, in the men’s and women’s individual races.

Fresh off a successful season on the World Cup circuit in Europe, Calgary’s Sandra Keith took the gold medal in the women’s race with a time of 52 minutes 53.0 seconds, defeating Sonya Erasmus of Vanderhoof, B.C., who crossed the line for the silver medal (54:52.0) and Nicole Pacas of Alberta, who snagged the bronze (55:40.5).

It was a challenging day for the competitors, as the skies opened up about 30 minutes before the race and dropped freezing rain throughout the day. However, for those athletes who have spent many months competing in Europe, the rain is typical.

“It wouldn’t have felt like race day without the rain,” said Keith. “It was challenging for sure, especially when my hat froze to my barrel on the first downhill, but for me the conditions have been like this all season in Europe. I am really happy with my race today, and it was great to see the representation of many provinces on the podium. It shows the depth and development of biathlon across the nation.”

Zina Kocher, top Canadian female on the World Cup circuit this season, did not compete in Thursday’s race, opting to rest for the weekend after just getting off the plane from Russia, Monday.

In men’s action, Jean-Philippe Leguellec of Valcartier, Que., reigned supreme on the day, taking his first senior national title, stopping the clock at 56:10.1. Leguellec defeated 10-time national champion, Robin Clegg of Ottawa, who was the runner-up on the day (56:36.2) and fellow World Cup teammate David Leoni of Camrose Alta., who was third (58:48.6).

“I was a bit nervous in the first lap because my skis weren’t running that fast,” said Leguellec. “Luckily the rain created a nice quick layer of ice on the track that made things a lot faster. I am pretty excited about winning my first national title as a senior, especially against such great competitors.”

Junior champions were crowned in the men’s and women’s races as well. Brendan Green, gold medallist from the Canada Winter Games in his hometown of Whitehorse, won the junior men’s race. Megan Imrie of Falcon Lake, Man., 2006 Junior National Champion in the sprint race, took the gold in the junior women’s 12.5-kilometre individual.

Senior Women

1. Sandra Keith, Calgary, 52:53.0
2. Sonya Erasmus, Vanderhoof, B.C., +1:59.0
3. Nicole Pacas, Alberta, +2:47.5

Senior Men

1. Jean-Philippe Leguellec of Valcartier, Que., 56:10.1
2. Robin Clegg, Ottawa, +26.1
3. David Leoni, Camrose, Alta., +2:38.5

Junior Men

1. Brendan Green, Whitehorse, Yukon, 48:28.2
2. Maxime Leboeuf, Val Belair, Que., +23.9
3. Dave Zurevinski, Saskatchewan,+28.3

Junior Women

1. Megan Imrie, Falcon Lake, Man., 45:18.0
2. Cindy Clark, Winnipeg, +13.6
3. Claude Godbout, Quebec, +3:33.6

For complete results please click here.