The Air Force have again dominated the National Inter-Service Cross-Country and Biathlon Ski Championships. The competitions held under the auspices of the RAAF Alpine Sports Association and the ADF Nordic and Biathlon Association saw the Air Force team of 20, arrive at Mt Hotham to a snow-depleted venue.

Training in days of extreme blizzard saw sufficient snow fall to later hold a series of races, including a 7.5/5 km cross-country race for men and women respectively, and a biathlon sprint teams event of 7.5 km, run in conjunction with the Australian Biathlon Association (ABA) National Sprint Championships.

Both events were won convincingly by Air Force with Army second and Navy third. Corporal Scott Malpass from Wagga won the men's biathlon race, also coming fourth outright in the ABA National Championship.

With the weather becoming warmer and the snow disappearing, participants were required to do some major 'shovel work' to repair the racing track.

A further three days of inter-Service racing saw competition in the men's 10 km Biathlon Patrol (four skiers carrying 5 kg packs skiing circuits of 2.5 km, 5 km and 2.5 km interspersed with shooting bouts), a combined men and women's team relay, a 15/7.5 km freestyle race and an 8/4 km classical event.

The Air Force team, comprising a number of experienced hands and eight beginners, proved to have the depth in the inter-Service competition finishing first overall. Navy, still in the rebuilding phase after a short absence from the competition, put up a credible defence to finish second.

Good coaching and race participation saw the 'beginners' experience true competition in all aspects of cross-country and biathlon racing including a range of climatic conditions from blizzard to fine sunny weather with a mix of fast icy tracks and soft, slow snow.

We were fortunate to have our Patron, Air Vice-Marshal Chris Spence in attendance and he took the opportunity to compete in his first Biathlon event since competing for the team some 14 years ago.

Additionally, the 'Defence Watch' team took the opportunity to film the cross-country and biathlon events to highlight the high level of fitness and military skills required. The segment will be aired on Foxtel in September.

Credible performances by Corporal Marion Woger, Corporal Sonia Crockett, Corporal Scott Malpass and Corporal Peter Brennan saw them win the champion cross-country and biathlon awards.

The RAAF team wishes to thank Static Engineering, Safe Air Limited, Kenworth, Toyota and DEFCREDIT for their continued support.

By SQNLDR Bob Schouten