Dear Biathlon Family Australia,

Sport Recap: Aussies in Action – Para Biathlon World Cup Season Opener
Canmore, Canada | December 2025

The Australian Para Nordic Team commenced the 2025/26 international season with a biathlon-focused campaign at the opening IBU Para Biathlon World Cup events in Canmore, Canada. The Canmore events represented a critical early qualification opportunity on the road to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, while also serving as an important testing environment for equipment, technical systems and race execution under highly variable conditions.

The team was led by Head Coach Kaspar Wirz, supported by Assistant Coach and Wax Technician Bjorn Taylor, with Alina McMasters providing key athlete, logistical and operational support throughout the demanding opening World Cup block.

Race Summary

Australian athletes competed across sprint, sprint pursuit and individual formats in both sitting and vision-impaired categories. The Canmore World Cups provided valuable early-season race exposure, qualification opportunities and benchmarking against the world’s leading Para Biathletes.

Across the competition block, athletes demonstrated resilience and determination in challenging conditions, with performances reflecting steady progress in ski speed, shooting execution and overall race management at this early stage of the season.

Performance & Technical Overview

Snow and weather conditions across the competition period ranged from cold, fine-grained man-made snow to warmer, moisture-affected tracks, with temperatures spanning from −19°C to +7°C. This variability required adaptable ski preparation, waxing strategies and continuous on-the-ground decision-making.

All sit skiers raced on newly prepared Fischer Speedmax skis utilising factory and World Cup race-room grinds. Ski cambers, lengths and binding positions were tested and confirmed for each athlete. Sit-ski setups were further optimised through adjustments to belt systems, strapping and binding rails to improve stability, power transfer and shooting position.

Waxing strategies evolved daily in response to changing snow conditions, incorporating continuous testing of glide bases and toppers, hand-applied structures for moisture management, and a broad range of grip wax solutions. This process was supported by close collaboration between athletes, coaches and service staff.

Race Results – Australian Athletes

IBU Qualification Context

Performances at Canmore made a strong early contribution toward IBU Paralympic qualification for all Australian athletes. Multiple results from this World Cup currently sit among each athlete’s highest scoring qualification performances, providing a solid foundation early in the qualification cycle as the team looks ahead toward Milano Cortina 2026.

Team Quotes

“These early World Cup races are about building foundations for Paralympic qualification and understanding where we sit internationally. Canmore gave us valuable feedback across racing, equipment and preparation.” — Dave Miln

We wish our National Para Team all the best of success on their Paralympic journeys.

#ForzaTeamAUS

David, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Katerina, Kate, Mark & Murray