The French women’s biathlon team delivered a masterclass performance at Oberhof, Germany, on January 10, 2026, as they stormed to victory in the World Cup relay. With less than a month to go before the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the French quartet—Lou Jeanmonnot, Océane Michelon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, and Julia Simon—left their rivals trailing, crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 21 seconds. Their commanding win, nearly a minute ahead of Norway and host Germany, marks their second relay triumph this season and cements France’s status as a serious contender heading into the Olympic stretch.
From the outset, the French team seized control of the race and never looked back. Lou Jeanmonnot set the tone with an aggressive opening lap, handing over with a ten-second lead. Reflecting on her effort, Jeanmonnot admitted, “I started way too fast and had trouble finishing,” as she told La Chaîne L’Équipe. Despite the early exertion, her initiative gave France the springboard it needed.
Next up, Océane Michelon built on that foundation, pushing the lead to 30 seconds. Michelon emphasized the team’s collective satisfaction, stating during a press conference attended by Nordic Magazine, “We are very satisfied with the work of each teammate. With a 0+8, we were the only podium team not to complete a penalty loop. We actually strung together four good individual races. It feels good collectively and allows us to gain valuable experience.”
By the time Justine Braisaz-Bouchet took over, the French advantage had only grown. Braisaz-Bouchet, who extended the margin to a staggering 1 minute and 30 seconds, highlighted the tactical edge of shooting from lane one, which was relatively shielded from the wind. “It’s a real advantage to have shot on this post, which is relatively protected from the wind compared to the rest of the range. That created big gaps throughout the relay, especially since the course—difficult with lots of relief—was slow,” she explained to La Chaîne L’Équipe.
With such a cushion, Julia Simon anchored the relay—her first appearance in the event since March 2025 following a suspension and legal dispute with teammate Braisaz-Bouchet. Simon, who had recently finished third in the sprint event at Oberhof, faced the pressure of closing out a near-flawless team performance. She made no mistake, despite missing two shots in the prone stage, and brought home the victory in style. Simon was quick to credit her teammates, telling the IBU, “It was easy to finish. I just had to focus on the wind. We were lucky because the conditions were even tougher for the men’s race.” She added on La Chaîne L’Équipe, “Before taking my relay, I was talking with [Norwegian] Maren Kirkeeide and [Italian] Hannah Auchentaller. They told me I’d take the relay with a minute’s lead again. Maybe, but it’s never easy to stay focused!”
This result is all the more impressive considering the French team’s recent journey. After a strong season opener in Östersund, Sweden, and a tough outing in Hochfilzen where they finished sixth, the Oberhof win marks their second relay victory in three World Cup attempts. Notably, the French quartet completed the race with no penalty loops—a feat unmatched by their podium rivals—demonstrating both shooting precision and composure under pressure. Their collective shooting score of 0+8 (no penalties, eight spare rounds used) underscores their consistency on the range.
Conditions in Oberhof were far from easy. The course was described as slow and demanding, with significant elevation changes and biting wind. The French team’s ability to adapt—particularly at the shooting range, where lane assignments can make or break a relay—proved decisive. Braisaz-Bouchet’s comments about the protected shooting post and the impact of wind on the competition highlighted the importance of tactical awareness in biathlon’s unpredictable environment.
Beyond the physical and tactical challenges, this race carried emotional weight for Julia Simon. Her return to the relay, following months away due to suspension and a judicial ruling stemming from a dispute with Braisaz-Bouchet, was closely watched. The two athletes put aside past differences for the good of the team, and Simon’s strong finish capped a weekend that also saw her return to the individual podium. For Simon, this relay was more than just a race—it was a statement of resilience and a fresh start ahead of the Olympic Games.
The Oberhof relay also serves as a crucial confidence boost for the French squad as they look ahead to the women’s pursuit event, scheduled for January 11, 2026, to close out the World Cup weekend. With the final women’s relay before the Olympics set for January 14 in Ruhpolding, France sits atop both the relay specialty ranking and, most likely, the women’s Nations Cup. Their current form has them well placed to challenge for Olympic gold when the relay takes place in Milan-Cortina on February 18 at 14:45.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Océane Michelon summed up the mood in the French camp: “We have strung together four good individual races. It feels good collectively and allows us to gain valuable experience.” The camaraderie and mutual respect within the team were evident, with each athlete playing a key role in a seamless relay.
For fans and observers, the French relay at Oberhof was a showcase of teamwork, strategy, and mental toughness. Their ability to handle pressure, adapt to challenging conditions, and support one another through adversity bodes well for the challenges to come. The victory resonates beyond the day’s results, signaling that France is not just a contender but a favorite as the season heads toward its Olympic climax.
As the biathlon world turns its gaze toward Ruhpolding and then Milan-Cortina, the French women’s team carries momentum, confidence, and a renewed sense of unity. Their Oberhof triumph will be remembered not just for the margin of victory, but for the way it was achieved—together, against the elements, and with eyes firmly on the prize that lies ahead.
