February 25, 2012 (Kontiolahti, FIN) – Canada’s Audrey Vaillancourt continued to maintain pace with the world’s best junior biathletes, finishing 16th in the women’s 7.5km sprint competition on Saturday in Kontiolahti, Finland.  The 20-year-old missed only one shot in her first round of shooting en route to posting the top North American finish under ideal, mild conditions.

“Audrey was really strong on her skis and in the range today which led to a really strong result,” said Richard Boruta, coach, Canadian Biathlon Team in a team release.

Russia’s Elena Ankudinova shot clean to win gold while Anais Chevalier of France finished in the silver medal position with Russia’s Maragrita Philippova rounding out the women’s podium in third.

Canadian Keely Macculloch placed 40th while American’s Kimberly Del Frate and Amanda Del Frate ended up in 55th and 60th position respectively.

Men’s Race
American

lead the North Americans as the top finisher in the men’s 10km sprint placing 20th while Canada’s Kurtis Wenzel, who won a gold medal earlier in the junior men’s individual competition, finished 23rd.

“The competition in the men’s race is very tough and all of our athletes continue to get closer with their ski speed,” commented Canadian Coach Boruta. “We had an average shooting day, which isn’t good enough for top results in this strong field. We are looking forward to the pursuit on Sunday.”

Russia’s Maxim Tsvetkov won sprint gold while France’s Florent Claude and Simon Desthieux finished in the silver and bronze medal positions.

Canadians Aaron Gillmor, Macx Davies, & Jasper MacKenzie finished in 40th, 61st, & 73rd position while American Raileigh Goessling placed 75th on the day.

The World Championships wrap up on Sunday with the pursuit competitions.

Full women’s results HERE.
Full men’s results HERE.