Biathlete Hopkins happy with World Cup debut

The Foxholes biathlete travelled to Lenzerheide in Switzerland and Hochfilzen in Austria and was pleased with her efforts.

“For a first attempt at junior world cup level I didn’t embarrass myself,” said Hopkins.

“It was a fantastic experience with over 27 countries participating from all over the world.

“My first IBU Junior World cup races took place in Lenzerheide, which began with the 12.5km Individual race.

“I came 70th out of 77 with an eight minute added penalty from the missed shots on the range.

“The next day we had the 7.5km sprint where I came 75th out of 83 and achieved my PB time of 31.53, even with the five penalty loops.”

Hopkins then travelled to Austria for the second part of the event.

She added: “The course was a lot harder than I had anticipated, hence it being the stage for the 2017 World Championships, and it was nothing like I had ever been on before which was slightly overwhelming for me.

“I came 103rd out of 108 (with five penalties) and I was very disappointed in myself during this race, but I’m happy to have had the opportunity to compete and there was a lot that I learned.

“Although I came quite low in the rankings, this is my first-ever World Cup and I was up against some of the best teams in the world.

“I never expected to be here so soon and hopefully I’ll be able to do it again next year and this gives me a target to beat in the next 12 months which can done by making amendments to my training.”