2023-12-16 15:10:29
It’s an image that French biathlon has been impatiently awaiting. Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and Julia Simon warmly shook hands in the arrival area, exchanged smiles… Perhaps a sign that the legal case of bank card fraud which has pitted them against each other for months tends to fade away in favor of top-notch performances.
This Saturday in Lenzerheide (Switzerland), Justine Braisaz finished 1st, 25 seconds ahead of Julia Simon, 2nd, and more than a minute ahead of the Norwegian Skogan.
The Olympic mass start champion in Zhangjiakou (China) in 2022 achieves the double in the Graubünden resort two days after winning the sprint (7.5 km). She signs the 7th victory and the 17th podium. “It’s something,” Braisaz exclaimed. I was perhaps the least experienced of the group in pursuit. I had a joy and a form of serenity in leaving in the lead. I managed to get away from bib number 1. Things are falling into place. This season, I want to do the biathlon that I know…”
For her part, Julia Simon, winner of the World Cup last season, signs her first individual podium of winter 2023-24. “I made small mistakes, but I was completely overwhelmed. I’m really happy to have managed to finish 2nd. This is going in the right direction. I find the little flame. I had this little thrill as I passed the group of French people, I said to myself that it could be a beautiful day. »
Julia Simon is the target of two complaints for bank card fraud, one of which comes from Justine Braisaz. The latter spoke out in August on the affair. “It’s a really sad situation, but I took responsibility. If I didn’t have proof, I wouldn’t have done anything. Of course, it wasn’t an easy decision to make. » Julia Simon is suspected of having fraudulently used the bank card of Justine Braisaz and a member of management for online purchases.
Braisaz said he wanted “a happy ending” to this affair: “I don’t wish him any harm. I just want to continue my career, take care of my family and myself. I hope this ends quickly. »
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