January 6, 2007 – Steep uphill climbs and slushy conditions proved a tough challenge for the Canadian women during the 7.5 kilometre sprint in Oberhof, Friday. Hoping to build off their 11th place finish in the relay, the Canadian squad was unable to find the speed from their skis on the difficult course.

Calgary’s Sandra Keith was top Canadian on the day, finishing in 54th place, just under four minutes behind the leader from Germany. The 26-year-old Olympian found inspiration from the 19,000 fans who braved the elements to watch their biathlon heroes compete.

“The fans here are amazing,” said Keith. “They are lined up along the really steep uphill section and the cheering is so loud that it really motivates you to try to get up the hill as fast as you can.”

Keith’s strategy for the race was to use the challenging conditions to her advantage, knowing that her competitors would be facing the same difficulties.

“I actually really enjoy competing in the rain,” said Keith. “I just remind myself that the other racers are likely not enjoying the conditions and that I can use that to my advantage. You just can’t let it get to you because you can’t control the weather.”

German youngster, Magdalena Neuner picked up her first World Cup victory, in front of the sold-out Rennsteig Arena. The 19-year-old skied a fantastic race to take the top spot, despite two errors on the shooting range, finishing with a time of 24 minutes 18.4 seconds. World Cup veteran Andrea Henkel had to settle for second, +17.3 behind Neuner. Fellow German Martina Glagow completed the podium sweep, +19.7 off the pace.

Other Canadians in the race, Red Deer, Alta., native Zina Kocher finished in 65th, Marie-Pierre Parent of St. Paul de Joliette, Que., was 74th and World Cup rookie Sonya Erasmus of Vanderhoof, B.C., was 76th.


Top-five Results:

1. Magdalena Neuner, GER, 24:18.4; 2. Andrea Henkel, GER, +17.3; 3. Martina Glagow, GER, +19.7; 4. Linda Grubben, NOR, +25.4; 5. Sandrine Bailly, FRA, +43.9

Canadian Results:

54. Sandra Keith, Calgary, +3:50.2; 65. Zina Kocher, Red Deer, Alta., +4:22.2; 74. Marie-Pierre Parent, St-Paul de Joliette, Que., +4:47; 76. Sonya Erasmus, Vanderhoof, B.C., +5:00.8