February 01, 2016 (Cheile Gradistei, Romania)  – Canada’s Teo Sanchez, Adam Runnalls and Zachari Bolduc powered to a strong 5th place finish in the Youth Men’s 3×7.5 km Relay on the penultimate day of the IBU Youth/Junior World Championships using five spare rounds at 3:44.7 behind Norway who won using eight spares.

Canada's Youth Men's relay team (l-r) Rachel Clare (Coach), Zachari Bolduc, Adam Runnalls, Teo Sanchez, Richard Boruta (Coach) © Pablo Sanchez

Russia, the defending champs, settled for silver with only five spares at 39.1s back, while Italy used six spare rounds to win the bronze at 2:06.9 behind. The USA’s Cody Johnson, Vaclav Cervenka and Peter Carroll finished in 15th with four penalties and 11 spares.

A total of 21 teams battled wet winter conditions at the final Youth event of the championships. Early leader Finland saw Russia take over first as the Ukraine surged to lead at the penultimate exchange. But Norway was fast on the track and in shooting to take the lead and never looked back.

Youth Women’s Relay

The Canadian Youth Women’s squad finished solid in 10th in their 3×6 km Relay with two penalties while using 14 spare rounds at 3:51.2 behind the winners. Their USA counterparts placed 16th as Chloe Levins, Amanda Kautzer and Ariana Woods suffered five penalties and 11 spares at 8:27.3 back.

Russia claimed the gold with eight spare rounds and a time of 55:33.8 while second place went to Czech Republic with six spares at 24.6s back. Norway with one penalty and 11 spare rounds landed third on the podium at 48.1s behind.

Youth Men’s results here.|
Youth Women’s results here.