French Men's Biathlon Team Triumphs in Season Opener
The French men's biathlon team delivered an impressive performance at the first relay of the World Cup season held on December 1, 2024, in Kontiolahti, Finland. The team, consisting of Fabien Claude, Quentin Fillon Maillet, Éric Perrot, and Émilien Jacquelin, secured victory with a commanding lead over their competitors. They finished the race with a time that placed them 25 seconds ahead of Norway's Johannes and Tarjei Boe, while Sweden rounded out the podium, finishing 1 minute and 37 seconds behind.
The French team's success was largely attributed to their exceptional shooting accuracy, achieving a combined score of 38 out of 40 shots. Notably, Claude, Fillon Maillet, and Perrot each hit all of their targets, while Jacquelin managed to hit 8 out of 10. This performance not only marked their first victory of the season but also highlighted their strong form following two podium finishes in mixed relays the previous day.
Historic Victory and Future Prospects
The win is particularly significant as it breaks Norway's recent dominance, having won 16 of the last 20 men's relays. The French team had aimed for a historic 40/40 shooting score, which would have been a remarkable achievement. However, Jacquelin's stumble on the 38th target prevented this from happening. Despite this minor setback, the team remains optimistic as they prepare for the upcoming short individual race (15km) scheduled for Tuesday.
As the French men's team celebrates their victory, the women's team, featuring Lou Jeanmonnot, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Sophie Chauveau, and Julia Simon, is set to compete in their first relay of the season later in the day.
