XC BRAGG CREEK SKI AND BIKE SOCIETY
What are Those Kids Doing Out There?
If you’ve been out to the West Bragg Creek trails on Wednesday evenings, you may have noticed the bright spotlights in Chickadee Meadow and the sign that reads, “Biathlon Training in Progress”. XC Bragg Creek Ski and Bike Society offers a biathlon training program for youth ages 9-12 as part of our Nordic ski options.
In the world of winter sports, biathlon is a unique and challenging event that combines two very different activities: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Biathlon has its roots in northern European countries where hunting and skiing were common activities. The first known biathlon competition took place in Norway in 1767, where soldiers competed in skiing and shooting contests. Since then, it has evolved into a highly competitive and popular winter Olympic sport. The Biathlon World Cup will be hosted at the Canmore Nordic Center in March 2024.
Biathlon requires exceptional physical fitness, mental focus, and accuracy. During competition, competitors ski a set distance and shoot at targets after each lap. The skiers must shoot at five targets, and for each missed shot, they receive a penalty in time or a skied penalty lap. The winner is the skier with the fastest time, including the time penalties. XCBC athletes compete in Kinder Cup races hosted by different Nordic clubs in Calgary and the Bow Valley and at larger competitions hosted by Biathlon Alberta.
The XC Bragg Creek biathlon training program uses Eco-aim photo rifles. Eco-aim photo rifles are a type of biathlon rifle that uses a laser system to simulate the firing of a live round.
These rifles are primarily used for training purposes, as they allow athletes to practice their shooting without the need for a live firing range or the expense of ammunition. When the trigger is pulled, a laser beam is emitted instead of a bullet, and this beam is detected by a sensor on the target. The sensor records the position of the beam, which is then used to determine whether the shot would have hit the target or not. The addition of the Eco-aims to the XCBC program has offered an opportunity for our budding biathletes to practice their shooting skills in a safe and controlled environment while remaining on our home trails. Older athletes then transition to training on the biathlon range at the Canmore Nordic Center.
Biathlon requires a unique combination of physical and mental skills, making it a challenging and exciting sport to watch and participate in. Feel free to swing by and cheer on XCBC’s young biathletes as they train.
See you on the trails!
Athlete Spotlight
The Kary Brothers: Owen and Davin Sport: Nordic and Biathlon
Favorite West Bragg Creek Trails:
Owen: West Crystal Line
Davin: Sun Dog and Loggers Loop
Words from Coach Allison:
XCBC is a family-oriented club and Owen and Davin Kary are brothers who exemplify what we are all about. They are new to the Nordic program and have both embraced the challenges of being in a competitive program after transitioning from being recreational skiers. Both are keen to improve, give 100% in practice, and have taken on racing this year. Owen shows dedication and willingness to improve his knowledge of the sport. He is not afraid to ask questions even when he knows his teammates already know the answer. He has taken on all the Alberta Cups this year and each time pushed himself to the limit. Davin is also in the XCBC biathlon program and has competed in both the local Kinder Cups and the larger Calforex cups. He brings courage, a positive attitude, and an outstanding work ethic to each practice and competition.
