January 25, 2015 (Antholz, Italy) – Team USA claimed 8th while the Canadian men followed in 9th as Norway took the IBU men’s 4×7.5km Relay victory using five spare rounds on the final day of competition in Antholz-Anterselva, Italy. Germany followed 16.4s later having used seven rounds with France third at 42.0s behind using five spare rounds as well.

Team Norway © Nordic Focus

Windy conditions made for a challenging day on the range as US Biathlon’s Lowell Bailey used six spares tagging Sean Doherty in 10th. Doherty had a remarkable second leg, skiing the sixth-fastest time (18:53.1) and needing just one spare in prone and two in standing moving his squad up to eighth as he exchanged with Tim Burke. Burke cleaned in prone but in standing used three spares with three penalties while anchor Leif Nordgren used five spares as the U.S. held on to eighth.

Sean Doherty (USA) © Nordic Focus

Meanwhile, rookie Christian Gow, 21, had a solid outing as the lead off for the Canadian men using two spare rounds. Brendan Green used five spare rounds battling with Italy and the USA as Scott Gow took over using four spares. Anchor Nathan Smith, battled through the deteriorating weather to get the Canadians across the finish line in ninth with one penalty and 15 spare rounds.

Scott Gow © Biathlon Canada

“I am happy with today’s race. It has been a big learning experience these past three weeks on the World Cup, especially so in the relay competitions,” said Christian Gow. “I felt a bit better skiing today than I have lately, and I was able to keep it together on the range again. I’m happy with the place that I tagged in, but there were a couple things I wish I had done better. It has been a great experience racing so many World Cups, and I am looking forward to continuing to learn and improve in my abilities.”

Full results here.