Race Development 3

RACE DEVELOPMENT 3:
NORDIC AND BIATHLON   

Program Overview  (General age range: 14 – 18 years)

The Race Development 3 (“Race Dev. 3”) program is for committed athletes, aged 14–18, who want to continue to develop their general athletic abilities and are pursuing advanced development in Nordic or Biathlon racing. This program supports athletes wanting to compete at inter-provincial, international and national events such as Canada Games, and aspiring to achieve personal excellence at the national level or beyond. 

Athletes in this program train year-round (11 months) following an individualized Yearly Training Plan (YTP) and are preparing for high-performance competition pathways, including provincial, national, and international events.  

Training volume, intensity, and competition planning align with the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) models of both Nordiq Canada and Biathlon Canada. 

Race Dev. 3 provides athletes with a choice between two streams: the Nordic Stream or the Biathlon Stream. 

Eligibility and Commitments 

Race Dev. 3 athletes are expected to take ownership of their development and demonstrate leadership within the club community. Athletes will: 

  • Read, understand and sign the Athlete Agreement – Racing Development Programs 
  • Maintain a training log or journal, either digital or written / hard copy 
  • Set process and performance goals to guide their YTP development 
  • Maintain regular communication with their Lead Coach and facilitate regular monitoring of development 
  • Be a positive role model for younger teammates and Club Members 

Registration Requirements for All Athletes: 

  • Recommendation from the Race Dev 2 Nordic or Biathlon Lead Coach 

Additional Registration Requirements for Biathlon Stream athletes: 

  • Junior Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) 
  • Parent/guardian must also hold a valid PAL 

Schedule 

The Program runs from 1st May 2026 to 31st  March 2027. Athletes, with the assistance of their parents/guardians, will follow a structured annual practice, camp and race schedule as outlined below and/or as agreed with their respective coaches and subject to the requirements of the Athlete Agreement.  

Training hours/Program and number of races will be consistent with the Nordic Canada/Biathlon Canada Long Term Athlete Development model. 

May through June, Athletes must attend 

  • 2 training camps; 
  • 1–2 weekly sessions (Wednesday/Saturday) 

OR arrange suitable self-directed alternative training as agreed with a Lead Coach. 

Focus is on general athletic abilities in a multi-sport environment, aerobic/cardio capacity, strength, shooting skills and an intro to rollerski racing 

July through August, Athletes must attend 

  • 1 of 2 training camps; 
  • 2 weekly late afternoon training sessions 

OR arrange suitable self-directed alternative training as agreed with a Lead Coach. 

Focus is on aerobic/cardio capacity, ski and biathlon specific technique, race skills development, power and speed. 

September through November, Athletes must attend 

  • 1 of 2 training camps; 
  • 1 weekly late afternoon training session; 
  • 3 weekend training sessions 

OR arrange suitable self-directed alternative training as agreed with a Lead Coach. 

Focus is on ski and biathlon specific technique, race skills development, power and speed. 

December to March, Athletes must attend 

  • team race events as specified by their Coach; 
  • 1 weekly after school training session; 
  • when not racing, 3 weekend training sessions 

OR arrange suitable self-directed alternative training as agreed with a Lead Coach. 

Focus is on perfecting ski and shooting technique, racing and recovery. 

There will be no programming on 24th – 25th December. 

Travel 

Regular practices & local camps will take place at Highlands Nordic, or within a ~45-minute radius. 

Some camps and most race events may require significant travel (3–11 hours). Travel is typically coordinated in coach-supported vehicles. 

Races 

Biathlon Priority Events 

  • US East Regional – Craftsbury Outdoor Center 
  • Ontario Cup & Quebec Cup Series 
  • Ontario Winter Games 
  • Canada Winter Games 
  • National Championships (may require air travel) 

Nordic Priority Events 

  • Ontario Cup Circuit 
  • Eastern Canadian Championships 

Additional opportunities include: 

  • Regional and local races 
  • National Championships 

Competition schedules are individualized based on athlete goals, readiness, and commitment level. 

Equipment & Requirements 

Dryland Equipment Requirements: 

  • Blood test (serum ferritin) 
  • Skate & Classic rollerskis 
  • Skate and Classic rollerski poles with rollerski tips  
  • Skate and Classic rollerski boots  
  • Reflective vest or Hi-Vis clothing for roadside training  
  • Helmet 
  • Drink Belt 
  • Sunglasses  
  • Ski walking/striding poles (classic length or 5cm shorter)  
  • Trail Running shoes 
  • Skipping Rope 
  • Mountain bike and road or gravel bike, gloves, shoes, etc.  
  • Downloadable Heart Rate Monitor/watch with chest strap (eg: Polar). Wrist based monitors are not accurate enough for Race Dev. 3 purposes. 
  • Access to a desktop or laptop computer for accessing online training plan  
  • Cellphone with WIFI (communications are through WhatsApp) 
  • .22 Rifle (Owned or Rented)  – Biathlon Stream 
  • .22 Ammo  – Biathlon Stream * 

*Biathlon coaches will assist with sourcing ammunition, but families purchase ammunition. 

Winter Equipment Requirements  

  • HTB Warm up Jacket and Race Suit  
  • .22 Rifle (Owned or Rented)  – Biathlon Stream 
  • 1 pair of skate race skis ** 
  • 1 pair of skate training skis 
  • 1 pair of skate or classic rock skis 
  • 1 pair of Classic race skis ** 
  • 1 pair of Classic training (crowns or skins skis) ** 
  • Skate length poles (upper lip height)  
  • Classic length poles (83% of height when in ski boots measured to strap)  
  • Skate boots  
  • Classic boots  
  • Drink belt for fluids, snacks, and grip wax  
  • Heart Rate Monitor with stopwatch   
  • Access to a Basic glide and grip wax kit (including an iron, scraper, groove scraper, and nylon brush for glide) 

** Head Coach can help with guidance in building a race ski fleet when necessary/ 

Biathlon Stream Athletes: 

Included 

  • Personalized Year Round Training 
  • Annual HTB Club Membership for athletes ($40 value) 

Program Fees 

Nordic Stream $1,400 Program Fee OR $712.50 per 2 instalments OR $129.50 x 11 monthly instalments + 60 Service Hours 

Biathlon Stream $2,000 Program Fee OR $1,012.50 per 2 instalments OR $184 x 11 monthly instalments + 120 Service Hours + $285 Range & Supply Fee 

Highlands Trailblazers is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit club. Our excellent programs and strong community are made possible through the collective contributions of our members and volunteers. To help sustain our programming, each program carries a service hour commitment. Please refer to our Service Hour Program for full details, including how to calculate your family’s total commitment. There are many opportunities to contribute throughout the year. Volunteer roles and sign-up information will be shared through club emails, or reach out to info@highlandstrailblazers.ca to offer support. 

Additional Costs 

All Athletes: 

  • must purchase a Nordiq Canada Race Licence in advance of race season, for those who wish to accumulate CPL Canada Points.  Without a NC race license, athletes must purchase day licenses to race at NC sanctioned events. 
  • Race entry fees 
  • Travel, food, accommodation, waxing, and coaching expenses for training camps and race events will be charged on a cost-recovery basis. 

Biathlon Stream Athletes: 

  • Ammunition, as coordinated by coaches 

All additional expenses are charged on a cost-recovery basis. Failure to pay deposits and final charges by the stated deadlines may result in suspension and/or dismissal from the Program as outlined in the Athlete Agreement.