Competition Calendar 2020-2021 *North American Western Open: ​Canmore AB ​Dec 5-6, 2020 *North American Eastern Open:​ Jericho VT ​Feb 13-14, 2021 Canadian Tour 1 Trials:​ Canmore AB ​Week of Nov2 (tentative) Canadian Jr/Yth Trials:​ Prince George BC ​Approx. Dec 29-Jan 3 Canadian Championships:​ ​Valcartier QC ​Mar 22-28, 2021 US Winter IBU Trials: ​Eastern USA - TBA ​Dec. 12-13, 2020 US Jr/Yth Trials:​ ​Anchorage AK ​Dec.27-31, 2020 US National Championships:​ ​West Yellowstone MT ​Mar 24-28, 2021 National-level cross country skiing to highlight: U.S. Ski Cross Country Nationals:​ Houghton, MI​ January 2021 Nordiq Canada WJr/U23 & Sr Trials:​ Whistler BC ​Jan 7-10, 2021 Canadian Ski Nationals:​ Gatineau QC ​Mar 14-20, 2021 *Formerly called NorAms 1 Why are “NorAms” not listed on the schedule? The total number of biathlon events scheduled for this season will be the same; there is a natural shift in naming and organizing to serve you better. The names and events reflect the reality of what has been delivered at the events in the past and focuses on the needs of the different groups served for the future (IBU categories vs Youth Development). Biathletes can expect to see the former North American Cups (“NorAms”) reflected in two different event names: We are testing the concept this year, and look forward to hearing your feedback. North American Western/Eastern Opens ​(2 per year)​:​ Biathlon Canada and US Biathlon are coordinating two IBU-rule compliant competitions per season focused on higher-level domestic racing, with enhanced prizes and open categories. These will focus on traditional IBU competition classes (youth, junior, and senior). In addition to SuperTour/XC NorAm events (cross-country skiing), trials events, Nationals, and select Regional Cups, these North American Western/Eastern opens will form the backbone of a quality senior-level domestic event season. More “Opens” may be added to the calendar in coming seasons and this season if adjustment in the international season warrants. Regional Cups ​(1-5 events per season, per region)​: ​Many event organizers are already working regionally to host events that were formerly nationally-scheduled NorAms and are creating a more robust regional competition circuit. Regional Cup scheduling allows for more reasonable event travel and synchronicity with cross-country ski racing calendars and neighbouring biathlon groups, ideally resulting in greater fields for biathletes at all levels. They are essentially former NorAms, except with simpler hosting expectations, age grouping, and the focus on youth development categories (ages 13-17). We encourage this to continue and for others to give it a try. We will be sharing a draft of guidelines and an organizer's guide for Regional Cups the first week of July with regional leadership. 2 Considerations: ● We continue to monitor the international and domestic realities that COVID-19 may create, building and adjusting contingency plans around our competition calendar. More information to follow. ● Biathlon Canada is evaluating our Eastern and Western Canadian Championships and will not be naming hosts at this time. More information to follow. ● US Biathlon and Biathlon Canada are in communication with the IBU on how North American Championships can be most relevant to us. More information to follow. ● We strongly encourage your own competition calendar to include cross country skiing competitions. Regional, State, Province/Territory, or National level as developmentally appropriate. .