December 17, 2015 (Pokljuka, Slovenia) – The USA’s Tim Burke finished 14th with one penalty while teammate Lowell Bailey shot clean for 15th as the two Americans made the top 20 in the men’s 10km sprint today at BMW IBU World Cup 3 in Pokljuka, Slovenia. Nathan Smith led the Canucks in 24th.

The men’s sprint was held under sunny skies and ideal conditions with a fair amount of snow and light winds. Clean-shooting Simon Schempp of Germany won with a time of 23:02.5. Norway’s Ole Einar Bjoerndalen also cleaned to finish second at 15.2 seconds back, while Russia’s Evgeniy Garanichev was also perfect on the range placing third at 25.1 seconds back.

“I’m very pleased with the race today,” said Burke. “This has always been one of my favorite courses and I have many good racing memories from here. I went out pretty hard today and just tried to hold on as long as possible. Of course this race was a little bittersweet because I missed my last shot of the day, which potentially cost me a podium. I’m looking forward to an exciting pursuit where everything is still possible.

Bailey was helped by his quick shooting at the range, which tied for the fifth-fastest in the 102-man field. “I was happy with the shooting for the race today,” Bailey said. “I didn’t feel at my best on the tracks and I definitely suffered a bit on the first lap, but I was happy to have a decent ski time on the last lap. I like the course here in Pokljuka and I hope to feel a little quicker on the skis for Saturday’s pursuit.”

Canada’s Macx Davies was 34th with one penalty followed closely by teammate Scott Gow also with one penalty. It was Brendan Green (CAN) in 46th (2 penalties), Leif Nordgren (USA) in 52nd with one penalty and Sean Doherty (USA) in 71st with four missed targets.

Competition in Pokljuka continues Friday with the women’s 7.5km pursuit.

Full results here.