February 07, 2014 (Sochi, Russia) – The Olympic Biathlon competitions begin on Feb. 8th in Sochi, starting with the men’s 10km sprint. The women’s 7.5km Sprint follows on Feb. 9. Racing for Canada is lead off skier Nathan Smith in bib #1 with teammate Brendan Green starting 51st, followed by Jean-Philippe Le Guellec in 65th, and fellow Canuck Scott Perras in 78th. Le Guellec is the favourite having his best-ever Olympic result at Vancouver 2010 placing 6th in the Sprint.

Lowell Bailey leads the charge for US Biathlon in bib #26, followed by Tim Burke in #43 – Burke was twice ranked number one in the world during the 2009/10 season prior to Vancouver 2010. Making their Olympic debut for the American squad is Leif Nordgren in #73rd and Russell Currier starting in bib #87.

The defending sprint champ from Vancouver 2010, Vincent Jay from France, is not on the start line so a new Olympic champion will be crowned.

Start List here.
Watch a live webcast of the race via NBC on Saturday, February 8.
Check out a full schedule of Olympic biathlon events here.