Biathlon Sprint takes place at Martock

Canada Games biathletes took part in the Sprint competition today at Martock. Alberta's men's team filled the podium after their 10k event took place in more winterlike weather. The women's 7.5k Sprint was also held during the off again, on again snowfall that dropped a couple of centimetres on Nova Scotia's Avon valley.

"The course was in great shape," said gold medal winner, Sarah Beaudry of BC, " the whole venue is just great."

Sarah's team mate, Julia Ransom, took the bronze medal and Quebec's Audrey Vaillancourt won silver.

Both the men's and women's event took place in sometimes heavy snow and high winds that gusted to 40km. Overnight rain that fell prior to the temperature falling left the course icy in some places but that didn't seem to bother Beaudry.

In the men's event the gold medal was won by Scott Gow. Aaron Gillmor won the silver medal and Stuart Harden took home the bronze.

Personally, I had a much more tiring day at the venue than yesterday. Elizabeth, Nancy and I made numerous trips down the hill to the Biathlon Arena with hot drinks for the volunteers and officials. Luckily for us our volunteer role allowed us the opportunity to be indoors on a regular basis. I don't envy the scores of volunteers who had to stay outside in the wind and driving snow for hours on end.

Once again let me remind you all - Martock is open for business and conditions are great. If you don't ski or snowboard come on out and enjoy the competition and the great atmosphere.

2011 Canada Games training day at Martock

I was the only volunteer on the bus. There was a grey sky hanging low over the Avon valley threatening rain. I learned the bus driver had worked for Metro Transit, geese sat in the pond by Oulton's Meats. The bus rattled down the road with Martock's runs looming to our left.

It was training day today at the site of the Halifax 2011 Canada Games biathlon venue. A relaxed atmosphere pervaded the place. I met my co-volunteers and had an easy day to learn the routine. We are the runners and we run hot drinks to the volunteers and officials at the venue.

Martock has done an amazing job getting the venue ready. The biathlon arena is impressive, dominated by the large snow-covered berm backing the targets. The venue is free for spectators and Martock is still selling lift passes for recreational skiers and snowboarders.

So, grab your toques, tie up your boots and come out for some fun.

Pictured above are, top, biathlete takes aim, centre, volunteers relax, bottom, members of the Nova Scotia Biathlon team.