The third set of time trials hosted by Biathlon Yukon was almost a no-go.

However, the mercury in the thermometer did not drop any lower than -15 C and the race was on Sunday at the biathlon range on Grey Mountain Road.

The first time trial was on Nov. 2 and the second rendition was almost a full month after on Nov. 29. Luckily for the biathletes, they did not have to wait long to strap on their skis and load their rifles to compete again.

Sunday’s races had a different format than the first two. Instead of an interval start, the third time trial featured a mass start.

The competitors lined themselves, appropriately distanced, in the starting chute, and at the sound of the pistol they were off.

In the three time trials, the biathletes have had to contend with varying weather conditions. The first race featured blustery winds and plenty of snow – to make it tougher on the athletes they ran, not skied, the race. The second time trial was a beautiful day, the was sun shining and the temperature mild.

Although the sun was out, the athletes were competing in chilly conditions. Despite that, Sophia Marnik with Biathlon Yukon said it was “another great competition under our belt.”

Because of COVID-19, uncertainty remains regarding Outside competitions. The time trials offer the biathletes a chance to race in a competitive atmosphere, so when they are able to compete at high-level competitions again, they will be ready.

As it was the first two races, Biathlon Yukon was diligent in its COVID-19 protocols. Everyone but the biathletes racing were required to wear masks, despite being outdoors. The buildings at the range were off-limits to everyone except for a select few.

Results from Sunday:

The Junior - five kilometre winner was Cheyenne Tirschmann, completing the distance in 27:28.2. Second-place finisher Keelan Robins was a minute behind Tirschmann and 20 seconds ahead of Matthew London who placed third.

Johna Irving-Staley won the Pursuit - three kilometre race, the largest class of the day. Irving-Staley only needed 18:57.98 on the trails and at the range. Oscar Wolosewich, 19:18.8 placed second and Taiga Buurman came third.

Veronica Porter was the lone Youth Women - 7.5 kilometre biathlete but still posted an impressive time of 39:11.4.

Noah Marnik was the winner of the Senior Boys - 7.5 kilometre category. Mere seconds separated first and second.

Marnik’s victorious time was 32:43.4 just edging out Cole Germain, 32:44.6. Isidore Champagne rounded out the top three.

The Senior Girls - 7.5 kilometre winner was Isla Hupè, in 40:49.6. A little over two minutes behind Hupè was Ava Irving-Staley and Claire MacMillan placed third.

Biathlon Yukon has five time trials planned throughout the winter season. The biathletes will now have a holiday break before getting back at it in the new year. According to the Biathlon Yukon website, the next time trial is slated for January 24.