The BMW World Cup biathlon season starts Saturday in Koniolahti, Finland and Sarah Beaudry of Prince George is among four Canadian women entered in the 15-kilomtre individual race.
The 26-year-old Beaudry, who was introduced to the sport as a 10-year-old kid racing with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, will be the 57th woman out of the gate in Saturday’s race.
Emma Lunder of Vernon will start sixth. The women’s event also includes Nadia Moser of Whitehorse, Yukon, starting 81st, and Megan Bankes of Calgary, who drew the 101st start position in a field of 103.
Four Canadians are entered in the men’s 20 km individual race which precedes the women’s race Saturday, including Scott Gow of Canmore, starting 27th, Christian Gow of Canmore (38th), Adam Runnalls of Calgary (56th) and Aidan Millar of Canmore (92nd). The men’s race has 101 entrants.
The Canadian team, led by coaches Justin Wadsworth and Pavel Lantsov, will remain in Finland for three days of racing next week in Koniolahti. Sprints, pursuits and team relays are on the schedule.
The World Cup tour then visits Hochfilzen, Austria for two weeks, Dec. 7-20.
Senior national team member Emily Dickson of Burns Lake is still recovering from a concussion she suffered in a crash while roller skiing at a training camp at Whistler in September.
Once she’s healthy again, the 23-year-old Omineca Ski Club member is expected to start her season on the IBU Cup tour. The IBU Cup tour has its first stop Jan. 11-17 in Arber, Germany.
