February 15, 2015 (Oslo, Norway) – The Canadian men’s biathlon squad claimed a best-ever relay result finishing 5th on Sunday in Oslo, Norway in the men’s 4×7.5 kilometre IBU World Cup relay using six spare rounds.

Brendan Green brings Canada home for a RECORD 5th in IBU Men's Relay @Oslo ©

Three Calgary boys, Christian Gow, Nathan Smith and Scott Gow led the charge before handing off to Brendan Green, who brought the Canadians home to a historic finish at 1:35.8 behind Russia. The USA did not field a team.

The finish featured a thrilling battle between Russia’s Anton Shipulin and Germany’s Simon Schempp who emerged as the two front runners in a see-saw duel to the end as Shipulin out-kicked Schempp at the line to claim the gold. Austria secured the bronze using six spare rounds at 50.9 back.

Shipulin takes Schempp ©

It was a historic day for the Canadian camp. “Today was a really strong race for the team.  We each executed solid performances during our legs of the relay, and the end result was a personal best day for Canada,” said veteran Brendan Green. “I think we all knew that we had the potential for a good result, and being able to bring out our best today in the last race before World Championships is really positive for the team.”

Nathan Smith (CAN) © Nordic Focus

With the Gow brothers continuing to post career-best results, along with Smith and Green, taking their turns pushing for their first World Cup medal, the Canadians are capturing the world’s attention with a handful of top-five finishes.

Shipulin wins for Russia © Nordic Focus

“We’re all really happy with today’s result and are looking forward to what the rest of the season will bring, especially with World Championships fast approaching,” added Green. “It’s been a lot of racing over the last month.  We’re all a little tired and looking forward to a short and well deserved break before starting our pre World’s training camp in a few days.”

Full results here.

Team Canada (l-r) Christian Gow, Brendan Green, Chris Lindsay, Nathan Smith, Scott Gow © Rosanna Crawford