CANMORE – Valcartier’ Quebec’s Marc-Andre Bedard is a man of his word. The 29-year-old biathlete promised the Canadian men would improve on their results as IBU Cup 7&8 wore on, and he backed it up with an eighth-place finish in the Individual race Wednesday (March 4) at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Bedard shot 18/20 to finish the 20-km course in 53:21.5, missing the flower ceremony by just over four seconds. Under warm sun and light winds in a familiar surroundings, he was on pace for a top-four finish but missed one shot too many. Regardless, Bedard was satisfied with his race.

Marc-Andre Bedard © Pam Doyle

“I’m really happy with this. It really sucks to miss the last target, especially when it’s close like that at the end. But it’s great. I’m having fun again,” Bedard said.

He’s been the top Canadian in each of the men’s races, finishing 19th and 21st in two sprint races at IBU Cup 7. After bagging a few Rocky Mountain peaks, dog sledding and cruising along Canmore’s trail system on his off days, Bedard said his legs are feeling strong again.

“I’ve run more hours this week than I’ve skied. I just think it changes my shape…. I’m enjoying the mountains for sure,” Bedard said. “I’m not the kind of athlete who goes from the race and stays in the hotel room. If I’m in the mountains I’ll try and adventure a bit.”

Matvey Eliseev of Russia took the 20k competition in 50:25.1 at 19.9 seconds ahead of Christoph Stephan of Germany, and 56.9 seconds ahead of Vegard Gjermundshaug of Norway. This is Eliseev’s first IBU Cup win.

Men's podium © Pam Doyle

Bedard said the 20 km races have been is strength of late, thanks to his overall fitness, which is the best it’s ever been, he believes. Bedard’s adventure race regimine has improved his overall form.

“Every race has the same approach. I want to have fun and embrace the suffer. You’ve got to push yourself and get in that zone,” Bedard said.

Prince Edward Island’s Carsen Campbell was the second fastest Canadian, finishing 22nd. He was a late addition to the team, but came through in the range, shooting 18/20 for one of his best results to date. Campbell was a member of Canada’s world junior team.

“I wanted to hit at least 18, maybe more. That tied my best shooting for individual,” Campbell said. “I’m not sure if it’s the best shape of my life, but it’s a lot better than it’s been.”

USA's Wynn Roberts © Pam Doyle

Campbell is well known in Canmore and Banff since he plays the bagpipes around town as a part time job, so he had a decent-sized cheering section. “It’s pretty cool to just drive my truck down here and race, and not have to fly to Europe,” Campbell said.

Other Canadian finishers included Matthew Hudec (North Battleford, Sask) in 35th, Macx Davies, Matt Neumann (Prince George, BC) 37th, Macx Davies (Canmore) 42nd and Scott Perras (Regina) 43rd.

The USA’s Wynn Roberts finished 25th with two penalties while teammate Patrick Johnson was 44th, Max Durtschi was 45th and and Eathan Dreissigacher finished 46th.

IBU Cup 8 continues on Friday, March 6 with a sprint race at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

Full results here.