Prince George continues to be a hot spot for some cold winter-sport competitions since its success in hosting the 2019 World Para Nordic Skiing Championships last February.
In fact, the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club has become so in demand, it's going to be hosting back-to-back biathlon competitions leading up to big provincial events in 2020.
The zone trials for the upcoming B.C. Winter Games and the second leg of the Biathlon BC Cup are slated for Otway during the first two weekends of January respectively.
Zone Eight features B.C.’s best athletes from the north, so the trials on Saturday, Jan. 4 will also act as the regional championships as well in helping pick the team for Fort St. John.
A week later, those athletes may return to Prince George.
About 75 are expected to hit the Caledonia Nordic slopes Jan. 11 and 12, acting as the second of a five-stage competition for the BC Cup, including individual and pursuit races.
“Biathlon is an action sport which combines shooting and skiing,” explains Caledonia Nordic Ski Club Competition Organizer Ian Hartley in a statement.
“The athletes shoot 50 metres in prone or standing positions after skiing hard in a ~1.5 km race course and that distance depends on the age of the athlete. If any of the five reactive targets are missed, they ski penalty loops or receive time penalties.”
The local club is also making a call for volunteers to help with these two events and no experience is required, according to Hartley.
“Biathlon competitions rely on volunteer officials for their success, and anyone wishing to volunteer for these events, especially the Biathlon BC Cup, would be welcome. We will train you and you can then enjoy this exciting sport up close.”
Hartley invites spectators to come and watch the Zone Eight and BC Cup races to put the new year into action for sports fans alike.
A full schedule of events, volunteer forms and contact information are available on the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club’s website.
