Zina Kocher earns Canada's 2nd silver at IBU Cup
Marc-Andre Bedard takes 19th in men's race
Canada’s Zina Kocher claimed silver in Sunday's biathlon sprint race at the IBU Cup on her home trails in Canmore, Alta.
Perhaps inspired by fellow Canadian Emma Lunder's silver performance on Saturday, the 32-year-old added another podium result for her country.
A three-time Olympian, Kocher clocked a time of 20:16.5, just behind Germany’s Karoline Horchler, who took both of the weekend's gold medals. France's Marine Bolliet also won her second bronze.
“It was so exciting for me as an older athlete finishing my career to see all these young athletes coming up that are so strong,” said Kocher.
“I didn’t have that when I started. Today was extra special to have so many of my former teammates, friends and family around. Tonight will be a good celebration!”
Other Canadian women's results include a 16th-place finish for yesterday's silver-medallist Emma Lunder, and a 17th-place finish for Erin Yungblut.
In the men’s race Marc-Andre Bedard led the Canadians for the second-straight day in the 10-kilometre sprint. The Valcartier, Que. native finished 19th.
“Physically it was way better today, but I’m still not exactly where I want to be,” said Bedard. “I shot nine, which was good, but felt much faster on the skis. I needed yesterday to get the toxins out.”
Germany’s Florian Graf shot clean to win the gold with a time of 24:36.1. France's Antonin Guigonnat was second and Germany’s Christoph Stephan took the bronze medal.