March 26, 2010 (Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia) – The USA’s Tim Burke had a strong day, despite two missed shots, placing 11th in the men’s 10km Sprint in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia on Friday as Ivan Tcherezov (Rus) took the win shooting clean. Italy Christian De Lorenzi also shot clean for second place at 13.8s with Andriy Deryzemlya (Ukr) in 3rd. The top Canuck was Brendan Green in 47th with two misses as well.

“Today was one of my best skiing races ever. It’s quite surprising since at the end of the season the form can be up and down every day. But today it just worked. I had great skis and it was way more fun to compete today than over the last weeks,” said Burke.

The skis played an important part in Burke’s race today. “The technicians really worked hard over the last few days because we experienced a lot of problems here over the last few years. Next year the World Championships will be held in Russia so they did a lot of extra testing,” Burke explained.

Burke currently ranks 14th in the overall World Cup, the competitors behind him will not be able to pass him in Sunday’s Mass Start. With eleven points safe, thanks to his qualification for Sunday’s Mass Start, Burke will climb up to 11th place in the ranking.  “I am super motivated for Sunday’s race. A lot of guys are just really tired but I’m in great shape, so I am ready to fight anyone,” said Burke.

With files from US Biathlon.

Complete results here.

Results (brief)

1. Ivan Tcherezov (Rus) 0+0, 24:24.3
2. Christian De Lorenzi (Ita) 0+0, +13.8
3. Andriy Deryzemlya( Ukr) 1+0, +16.7
4. Christoph Sumann (Aut) 1+0, +20.0
5. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen( Nor) 0+0, +21.9

11. Tim Burke (USA) 1+1, +43.5
47. Brendan Green (Can) 1+1, +1:40.4
51. Scott Perras (Can) 1+0, +1:48.2
54. Nathan Smith (Can) 0+1, +1:53.9
67. Jean Philippe Leguellec (Can) 4+1, +2:36.0