TORSBY — Canada's Mark Arendz captured the men's overall World Cup crown in standing para biathlon with a victory in Tuesday's final race of the season.
The 35-year-old from Hartsville, P.E.I., beat runner-up Alexandr Gerlitz of Kazakhstan by six seconds in the standing men's pursuit final.
In pursuit, athletes ski penalty loops for shooting mistakes. Gerlitz missed twice, while Arendz shot clean.
The Canadian, who was second in the sprint and third in the 12.5-kilometre distance in Torsby, battled end-of-season fatigue to step atop the podium in Tuesday's finale.
"I can't imagine a better way to end the season," Arendz said. "The two previous races here were a bit of a struggle as I was trying to find the right momentum and gear. I had some difficulties, but today I really wanted to make up for those and ensure I had a quality final race.
"I focused on being perfect on the range and that was the key to today's win."
Arendz, who lost his left arm in a farming accident at the age of seven, capped a season that included world championship gold in sprint and the 12.5k, as well as a bronze in pursuit.
He took the standing men's World Cup season crown by winning seven of 11 races and reaching the podium in the other four. Arendz claimed the crystal globe that goes to the season champion by 153 points over Marco Maier of Germany.
"It feels fantastic,” said Arendz. “Staying on the podium is something I’m really proud of. There are always ups and downs, but consistent shooting and skiing have been the key to success.”
It was the fourth overall title of Arendz's career.
“My fourth career crystal globe is a great indicator of my consistency and ability to perform,” he said. “The focus now is to fine-tune everything over the next 12 months — building the ability to perform on demand at the biggest event in para sport.”
Arendz owns 12 Paralympic medals, including two gold, in biathlon and cross-country skiing. He'll strive for more at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy.
"I try to go into each season with the goal of learning as much as I can," Arendz said. "Every challenge is an opportunity to grow as an athlete.
"Once you reach a certain level of success, you have to seek new challenges to keep progressing. That’s where I’m at in my career — taking in everything I can as I prepare for my fifth Paralympic Winter Games."
Natalie Wilkie of Salmon Arm, B.C., finished the season ranked second in women's standing races behind Ukraine's Oleksandra Kononova. The Canadian won both the sprint and 12.5k before finishing fourth in Tuesday's pursuit in Torsby.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 11, 2025.
The Canadian Press
