November 24, 2012 (Idre, Swe.) – Scott Gow made a statement on Saturday that he belongs with the world’s best biathletes after narrowly missing the podium in fifth spot at an IBU Cup in Idre, Sweden.

The 22-year-old Calgarian, who is competing in just his second season on Canada’s senior biathlon squad, shot nine out of 10 in his two trips to the range to post a time of 25:46.9 in the men’s 10-kilometre sprint competition.

“The biggest factor today was the shooting,” said an excited Gow, who had fourth-place finish on the IBU Cup last year in Obertilliach, Austria. “It is the first event but jet leg has not been a big problem and the skis felt great today.”

Gow finished just over 40 seconds behind winner Julian Eberhard, of Austria, who punched the clock at25:07.3. Austria’s Tobias Eberhard was second at 25:31.2, while Russia’s Victor Vasilyev shot clean to claim the bronze medal with a time of 25:37.5.

Gow, who experienced a whole new world last year while splitting time on the World Cup and the IBU Cup circuit – a feeder series to the World Cup, feels one year experience has been huge for his confidence.

“Last year was a huge learning curve for me and I didn’t feel like I could be (with the best),” said Gow. “It is a big jump to go from junior to senior because it is an unlimited age group. The guys are stronger, older and more fit so you kind of feel like you are just playing catch up. Having raced a year of senior, I am a little more comfortable now and accustomed to the game.”

Marc-Andre Bédard, Valcartier, Que., missed two shots to finish in 20th at 26:31.8, while Calgary’s Kurtis Wenzel was 45th (27:16.7) in the men’s event. Leif Nordgren (Marine, MN) posted the top finish for Team USA men at  44th,  27:15.6 (1+2), 2:08.3 back from today’s winner. Also making his IBU Cup debut, Sean Doherty (Center Conway, NH) finished 73rd, posting a time 28:46.0 (3+1).

Another Canadian ready to prove she belongs with the world’s elite is Rosanna Crawford. Bouncing between the two senior biathlon circuits herself over the last three years, the 24-year-old Olympian from Canmore, Alta. got her season off to a solid start finishing 10th at 23:23.5.

“Today went well on the range, but I had a tough time out on the course,” said Crawford, who shot clean. “I think a combination of nerves, excitement and making sure you have everything ready for a race took a bit too much of the energy that I needed to ski faster.”

Crawford took advantage of the Swedish track which played to her strength, and did recover after a tumble on one of  the technical downhills on her second loop.

“My skis were amazing and I was flying on those downhills,” said Crawford. “I have made some big gains this summer and I was really motivated this summer to prove I deserved to be on the World Cup and make the World Championship team. I feel like that work I did has paid off today. It is only going to get better from here.”

Norway’s Hilde Fenne won the women’s 7.5-kilometre sprint with a time of 22:36.1. Weronika Nowakowska-Ziemniak, of Poland, was second at 22:38.2, while Norway’s Thekla Brun-Lie shot clean to win the bronze with a time of 22:46.2.

Megan Heinicke, of Prince George, B.C. was 26th (24:13.4) while Annelies Cook (Saranac Lake, NY) had the top finish for Team USA today, placing 32nd with a time of  24:41.4 (2+0).

Quebec’s Audrey Vaillancourt finished 34th (24:46.2); Lanny Barnes (Durango, CO) tied for 46th with Sanna Markkanen (FIN), posting a time of 25:09.7 (2+0); Melanie Schultz, of Camrose, Alta., was 50th (25:13.9); in her first career IBU Cup start, Tara Geraghty-Moats (Fairlee, VT)  finished 56th with a time of 25:27.2 (2+1). Tracy Barnes (Durango, CO) finished 63rd (25:35.4/1+1) while Canada’s Yolaine Oddou, Val Belair, Que., placed 69th (25:49.5).

Extended results from the Women’s 7.5km Sprint are available here.
Extended results from the Men’s 10km Sprint are available here.