February 23, 2012 (Kontiolahti, FIN) – The Canadian women’s and men’s youth relay teams had solid results finishing eighth and ninth respectively at the IBU Junior World Championships in Kontiolahti, Finland on Wednesday.

Quebec’s Rose-Marie Cote, Julia Ransom, of Kelowna, B.C., and Sarah Beaudry, of Prince George, B.C., teamed up to finish eighth in the women’s 3×6-kilometre relay. “It was a pretty normal day, showing us quite realistically where stand as a team,” said Richard Boruta, coach of the Canadian Biathlon Team in a team release.

“Julia Ransom was one of the fastest skiers on the second leg with strong shooting as well. We have some young athletes with little experience so this will help with their future.”

Ukraine finished on top while Sweden claimed the silver medal and Austria skied to the bronze. Team USA consisting of of Anna Kubek, Tara Geraghty-Moats, and Melissa Manning placed 13th.

In the men’s 3×7.5 km Relay Canada’s three-man squad consisted of Calgarians Christian Gow and Stuart Harden, along with Quebec’s Albert Bouchard. The three Canucks clocked a ninth-place time of 1:09:07.0.

“The men are showing great potential for the sprint competition with fast ski times,” added coach Boruta.

France won the men’s relay while Sweden was second and Germany claimed third.  The American men consisting of Samuel Dougherty, Sean Doherty, & Nicholas Proell finished in 15th position.

Youth Women 3×6 km Relay HERE.
Youth Men 3×7.5 km Relay HERE.