Last Saturday, former Marlo local Darcie Morton showed positive early form in the 7.5km Biathlon Sprint – Season Opening Norwegian Cup in Geilo, Norway, racing for Norwegian Team – Team Intersport, finishing 32nd out of 103 competitors; 1 min and 27 seconds behind Norwegian Maren Kiekeeide, who won in a time of 20min
and 29s.
The result followed Morton’s strong top 10 finish in heat four at Loop One in Munich; the IBU World Cup season opening super sprint and Biathlon 4 All Festival on October 19.
After the race Morton said she was happy with the way she paced the race and skied.
After missing the first shot in the prone position, Morton changed for the gusty wind and settled to hit the remaining targets.
Morton went on to ski a strong second lap recording the 16th fastest lap two ski time, then went on to clean, hitting all the targets in the standing position to set up a strong result.
The result qualifies Morton for Sunday’s Mass start in the top 60.
The event, which was a Norwegian
selection race, was broadcast live on Norwegian TV.
A host of top internationals participated including some Polish, Italian, British, Belgium, French and Kazakhstan World Cup athletes. Swix provided common waxing to all the international competitors so they could compare their ski results.
On the November 26 Morton will head to Ostersund for World Cup 1 where she will be Australia’s only World Cup representative.
Morton will work in partnership with Ski Austria’s Service Team on World Cup to support her with waxing her Fischer racing skis.
As a full time athlete in a professional sport Morton relies on sponsors and donations to fund her Olympic campaign, to assist and provide support please donate online.
