Coverage of IPC Biathlon & Cross-Country Worlds on ParalympicSport.TV

ParalympicSport.TV, the International Paralympic Committee’s internet TV channel, is covering the 2011 IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing World Championships on a video on demand basis.

All races are recorded and uploaded as videos on demand at the end of each competition day.

Craig Spence, IPC Media and Communications Senior Manager said: “We are very happy that we are able to offer the fans of Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing this coverage of this season’s highlight. We want to take every opportunity we can to showcase the strength and performance of our outstanding athletes.”

Day four of the World Championships saw the long distance Cross-Country Skiing races of the sitting athletes. The athletes and their technicians had to cope with quite challenging conditions again, after weather forecasts that had predicted temperatures below zero, were proved wrong by sunshine and warm temperatures.

Colette Bourgonje and Chris Klebl managed to secure two more gold medals for Canada. Paralympic medalist Bourgonje finished her race 10 seconds ahead of Liudmila Vauchok (BEL). The bronze medal went to Germany’s Andrea Eskau.

Bourgonje said: “I think I performed very well today. There were some difficulties during the race, but the support of our delegation helped me to win. This is my first time when I participate in competitions here in Khanty-Mansiysk and I feel marvelous.”

Compatriot Chris Klebl managed to defeat Russia’s Irek Zaripov, who had already won two gold medals in Khanty Mansiysk. In a close race, Klebl won against Zaripov by just 9 seconds. Enzo Masiello of Italy finished third 44 seconds behind Klebl.

Asked about the weather conditions in Khanty Mansiysk, Klebl said: “I got used to cold weather, but the paradox is that in Khanty-Mansiysk I show better results on the wet snow. I had the possibilities to train myself in suchlike weather conditions and probably this served me as an advantage.”

To watch the races of these World Championships as video on demand, visit www.ParalympicSport.TV.