So! Some big news again this year!
Once again, I ahave been selected to compete at the World Junior Championships, which this year are in Cheile Gradistei, Romania! I am super excited to be competing at this event for my final year as a junior man, and will do my best to out perform all WJCH performances I have had before!
In other news, the first races of the season were in Canmore this year, and after some difficulties coming into the race season, I was able to bang out a few very good races.
I raced in the Mass Start at XC Noarm #1, which was a 16km crazyfest. I had a crash on the big corner of the 3.3km loop (yeah, that one - yikes) which slowed me down a bit and lost some positions, but otherwise it was a good race to start the season off with.
Trials races were next. From Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th, I underwent three races that would decide the course of my season. Thursday was a sprint disipline race, as was Saturday, and Sunday was a Pursuit.
Thursdays race was less than optimal. Missing three prone and one standing target, I finished well back of my teammates Aidan and Alex, almost 3 minutes in fact.
However, I didn't let this affect my races on the weekend. Despite having the stress of performance and qualification, on Saturday I triumphed over the Junior Mens category! I hit 9/10, missing one shot prone.
Sunday was almost as successful, with a second place finish in the pursuit. I hit 15/20, one miss prone and four standing.
With my performances last weekend, I was able to secure the last spot on the World Junior Championships team. I am once again excited and honoured to compete for Canada internationally at such a prestigious event.
I have a new sponsor! Exel poles and Canadian Winter Sports through Peter Rozmovits. Thanks so much Peter for supporting me this year by supplying top quality poles!
I would also like to thank Phil Villeneuve with Salomon Canada for his continued support this season, as well as a big thank you to Clint Cawsey for supporting me this year! If you are interested in sponsoring me this year, send me an email at matthewstrumathlete@gmail.com and I will get in contact with you!
Onwards and upwards from here!