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Canada’s Mark Arendz Wins Gold Medal at IPC Biathlon World Cup

release by Cross Country Canada

December 14, 2011 (Sjusjoen, Norway) – Canada’s Mark Arendz extended his season medal-winning streak to three after winning the gold in the men’s 15-kilometre IPC Biathlon World Cup event in Sjusjoen, Norway on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Arendz, who has broken through as one of the world’s top biathletes on the para-nordic circuit since making his Paralympic debut in 2010, powered his way to a golden time of 47:13.0 for the fourth IPC World Cup victory of his young career.

“I woke up this morning ready for this race and felt very comfortable on my skis which is a big step forward for me from previous years,” said Arendz, who battled through deteriorating weather conditions. “I was confident my training in adverse conditions helped me today. The wax techs worked their magic and gave me an amazing pair of boards.”

Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I., missed just one shot in four rounds of shooting on a challenging day on the range.

“It was tough shooting conditions with very strong winds and heavy overcast with a light snowfall,” said Arendz. “I was also skiing very well today. I was relaxed but powerful up the climbs.”

Arendz was joined on the podium by Norway’s Nils-Erik Ulset in second spot at 48:44.3, while Russia’s Oleg Balukhto clocked a third-place time of 49:47.1.

It has been a whirlwind couple of years for the rising Canadian star in the para-nordic ski world. Arendz finished the postParalympic season second overall on the IPC World Cup with three victories, two silver medals and one bronze.

“I believe two things are key to this success. Training with Brian McKeever and Erick Carleton a lot this season in particular for my distance and intensity workout, as well as continuing to train with the Rocky Mountain Ski Club has been very good for me.”

The IPC World Cup continues on Thursday in Norway with the cross-country ski races.

See complete IPC World Cup Biathlon Results HERE.

Top-Five Men’s Results:

1. Mark Arendz (CAN) 47:13.0
2. Nils-Erik Ulset, NOR, 48:44.3
3. Oleg Balukhto, RUS, 49:47.1;
4. Vladislav Lekomtcev, RUS, 50:47.0
5. Azat Karachurin, RUS, 51:24.5.





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