2024-01-08 04:17:27
This is a perfect weekend for French women’s biathlon. After the victories of Julia Simon and Justine Braisaz-Bouchet in pursuit and sprint, the French women won their first 4 x 6 km relay of the season, this Sunday, in the World Cup, in Oberhof (Germany). The two runners, accompanied by Lou Jeanmonnot and Sophie Chauveau, were only competing in their third relay together after those of Östersund (5th) and Hochfilzen (3rd) in December.
Lou Jeanmonnot concluded the first stint in the middle of the pack. Then, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet moved back into second position behind Sweden, whose lead stabilized at around ten seconds. The Habs, leader of the general classification, missed three of their shots, but they managed to catch up brilliantly to move into first position. Starting as the third runner, Sophie Chauveau – who had won her first World Cup podium on Friday – gave Les Bleues a comfortable lead thanks to remarkable composure in shooting.
A masterful season
The French victory took shape a little more when Julia Simon did not miss any of her first five shots. The gusts of wind penalized the Frenchwoman a little more during her last attempts, but she still left with 12 seconds ahead of the Norwegian Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold at the time of the last lap. A lead maintained during the last hectometers. Norway and Sweden complete the podium.
The French are imperial this season since, individual races and relays combined (excluding mixed relays), they have won eight of the 13 events contested. Quite the opposite for the men, who are experiencing enormous difficulties, as evidenced by their seventh place in the men’s relay this Sunday, four minutes behind the Norwegians.
#Biathlon #imperial #French #win #relay #Oberhof