Junior Skiathlon at Erzerum
The skiathlon, known up to this year as the pursuit race, is one of the most testing disciplines for cross country skiers with longer distances and a change of skis during the race.
Unfortunately Katie Homyer was not well and couldn't compete in the ladies' race which meant that Britain was represented by Andrew Young and Callum Smith who were ranked 29th and 59th respectively (of 88 entrants) before the start of the race. The mass start event consisted of 10km classic followed by 10km freestyle, each section skied 4 times round a 2.5km loop.
The course was in great condition and both Andrew and Callum attacked the classic section well and were in good positions at the changeover to skate skies. They then both gradually moved up through the field during the freestyle section to finish 25th and 42nd respectively, well up on their initial rankings. This was a great result for both of them in their last year before moving into the Under 23 age group.
