WHITSTABLE biathlete Hugh Pritchard's Winter Olympics debut ended in disappointment in Salt Lake City.

Pritchard waited several days to compete for Britain in the men's 4x7.5km relay, but he began the final leg in last place, more than two minutes behind, and fell even further behind before finishing.

Pritchard, who suspended his career in accounting to qualify for the British team, completed his leg in 24min 42sec.

The team was led off by Jason Sklenar, who clocked 24.38, then Mark Gee timed 23.23 and Mike Dixon, Britain's most experienced member, completed his leg in 23.29.

Britain finished 19th and last in 1hour 36min 6sec, more than three minutes behind 18th-placed Switzerland. Norway won the gold in 1.23.42.