Tim Burke © John Gibson

February 09, 2016 (Canmore, AB) – Former Canadian Team biathlete Robin Clegg of Canmore, AB was excited to be following the IBU Biathlon World Cup event on home turf in Canmore, AB last week. The now marketing guy for M1 Sports Management’s H&R Block Pro Cycling squad caught up with USST biathlete Tim Burke and Canada’s Nathan Smith.

Tim Burke (USA)

How do these North American World Cups fit in to your World Championships preparation?
Tim Burke: I don’t like a break from competition – I feel it’s most important to keep racing. Keeps me sharp. There is more than enough time to deal with the extra travel involved.

Do you see a future regular World Cup stop in North America? Why would that be important?
TB: I’m all for a regular stop here (Canmore) and the U.S. This week Canmore has proven it can hold a world class standard event. Beautiful scenery, excellent stadium and course. Races in North America also get great TV ratings overseas, they love tuning in.

What has been the biggest change you’ve noticed since the World Cup last visited North America?
TB: The biggest change is the calibre of teams that the U.S. and Canada are fielding at the moment. Both teams are much stronger now and are fighting for top spots every race. This makes it much exciting for the home town crowds to watch and get involved.

What does the “home field advantage” mean for you as an athlete?
TB: Even though these races were in Canada there were quite a few American fans supporting us out there – so there is a home field advantage. It’s always more fun to race when folks are cheering for us! It’s not just the racing but also the amenities of North America that we don’t get overseas. I absolutely love going into a supermarket and being able to find anything I want.

When was the last time you competed in Canmore?
TB: Probably over 13 years ago as a junior at North American Champs and Spring Series. Thanks, now I feel old.

Nathan Smith © John Gibson

Nathan Smith (Can)

Great race today – I hope your prep for Oslo is going well! How do these North American World Cups fit into your World Championship preparation?
Nathan Smith: I’m not really using these races to prepare, other than hoping to have some good results to build confidence heading into Oslo.

Do you see a future regular World Cup stop in North America? Why would that be important?
NS: All I’ve heard is positive things about Canmore. From athletes, fans, and media. I think they would all like to visit regularly. North America is a huge market. For biathlon to continue to grow they need to broaden their fan base, as well as expose younger North American athletes to top level racing.

What has been the biggest change you’ve noticed since the World Cup last visited North America?
NS: Last time I was a relative novice on the World Cup. I think I was filling in your freshly retired spot? In the last 4 or 5 years the sport has continued to grow. More fans and more depth. The women’s category in particular has gotten larger and a lot more competitive.

What does the “home field advantage” mean for you as an athlete?
NS: It means sleeping in my own bed, eating my own food, and being in familiar surroundings with the support of fans, family and volunteers.

Thanks bud. Must be pretty cool to race every single category from Pee Wee to Men’s at every single level on your home course!
NS: Still need to race masters in Canmore. Cheers!