February 08, 2012 (Canmore, Alta.) – The nation’s top biathletes have returned to Canada to defend their home snow as Biathlon Canada hosts IBU Cup 6-7 at the Canmore Nordic Centre, February 8-16.

Led by Olympians Brendan Green (Hay River, N.W.T.), Marc-André Bédard (Quebec), Robin Clegg (Ottawa), Megan Imrie (Falcon Lake, Man.), Megan Heinicke (Squamish, B.C.), and Rosanna Crawford (Canmore, Alta.), Canada will field a total of 21 athletes (11 men and 10 women), while playing host to 20 nations for a series of four elite international competitions, February 11-12, and February 15-16. Athletes will compete in three sprint competitions and one individual event.

The IBU Cup, which is a feeder series to the World Cup with the top biathletes on the globe competing in both circuits, marks the return of major international biathlon competitions to Canada. Since the 1988 OlympicWinter Games, Canada has previously hosted the 2009 and 1992 Youth and Junior World Championships as well as World Cups in the 1990’s.

“Hosting international competitions at home is a critical component to growing our sport across the country, and we hope Canadians will join us in what promises to be an entertaining week of competition,” said Joanne Thomson, executive director, Biathlon Canada.

Opening Ceremonies for the Canmore Winter Carnival will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 10 at Friendship Park. The 200 athletes and staff participating in the IBU Cup competition will be paraded down Main Street to Canmore Civic Centre Plaza.

The Canmore Downtown Business Association, in partnership with The Best of Canmore Kananaskis Accommodations Group, The Canmore Nordic Centre and the Town of Canmore will host a Winter Carnival in downtown Canmore, from February 10-20, 2012.
Ski and sled races on Main Street, ice carving and snow sculpting, a “sites on” opportunity to showcase shooting skills at the Alberta Biathlon Club Trailer: these are but a sampling of the many events, parties and activities planned for what willsurely be a most exciting, all-ages welcome, fun-guaranteed, family-friendly Winter Carnival.

For complete information, please visit canmorebiathlon.com

Schedule:
Friday, February 10
9-11:30 a.m. – Women’s Official Training
12:30-3 p.m. – Men’s Official Training

Saturday, February 11
10 a.m. – Women’s Sprint Competition
1 p.m. – Men’s Sprint Competition

Sunday, February 12
10 a.m. – Women’s Sprint Competition
1 p.m. – Men’s Sprint Competition

Monday, February 13
9-11 a.m. – Unofficial Training

Tuesday, February 14
9-11:30 a.m. – Men’s Official Training
12:30-3 p.m. – Women’s Official Training

Wednesday, February 15
10 a.m. – Men’s Individual Competition
1:30 p.m. – Women’s Individual Competition

Thursday, February 16
9:30 a.m. – Men’s Sprint Competition
12 noon – Women’s Sprint Competition