The 2024 Biathlon World Cup is set to take over Le Grand-Bornand, France, from December 19 to 22, marking the only French stage of this season’s competitions. It promises to be an exciting weekend filled with thrilling races and dedicated fans, as both individual athletes and national teams compete for glory against the backdrop of the stunning Aravis mountains.
With the competition fast approaching, the French biathlon team has finalized its roster. Notably, the talented Gilonne Guigonnat has not been selected for this round, drawing public interest for missing the opportunity to compete at her home venue. Consequently, the French squad will field six women, including Julia Simon, Justine Braisaz-Bouchet, Lou Jeanmonnot, Jeanne Richard, Sophie Chauveau, and Océane Michelon. The men's side remains unchanged for this stage, featuring athletes like Quentin Fillon Maillet, Fabien Claude, Éric Perrot, Émilien Jacquelin, Antonin Guigonnat, and Émilien Claude, as reported by France TV Sport.
“Gilonne Guigonnat ne sera pas au Grand-Bornand, le staff tricolore a tranché,” France TV Sport reported, emphasizing the decision made by the coaching staff to slim down the team to six women, based on performance assessments from the earlier rounds.
This weekend's event will kick off with the men’s 10km sprint on December 19, followed by the women’s 7.5km sprint on December 20. The schedule continues with two pursuit races on December 21—one for men and one for women—and wraps up with the mass-start races for both genders on December 22. Athletes like Sophie Chauveau and Émilien Jacquelin, who impressed during earlier competitions, will be eager to replicate their podium finishes on this prestigious stage.
The event organizers are committed to ensuring sustainability and ease of access for spectators. Fans are encouraged to use public transport, carpool, or utilize the dedicated shuttle services provided for the event. “À partir de jeudi, on met en place le dispositif de transport pour les spectateurs,” stated Yannick Aujouannet, the coordinator for the sporting event. They will also have free shuttle buses running from two relay parking locations to the village center, reinforcing their initiative to prioritize environmentally friendly options for transportation.
For additional convenience, ski-buses will connect Grand-Bornand with surrounding areas such as La Clusaz and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, with return services from Annecy priced at €16. The local transportation network aims to alleviate parking pressures at the event, as on-site vehicle access will be quite restricted. Attendees are advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
Beyond France, biathletes from Norway and Germany have their eyes set on success at this competition as well. The Norwegian team, featuring favorites such as Johannes Boe and Sturla Laegreid, is coming off strong performances but opted to rotate their lineup, with veteran athlete Tarjei Boe potentially sidelined for early races. Per Arn Botnan, the Norwegian team manager, noted, “Uldal has delivered good competitions and has really shown himself...”, highlighting the depth of talent within the Norwegian ranks.
On the German front, the team will send 12 athletes to compete, with Franziska Preuss aiming to defend her overall World Cup leader position following her impressive start to the season. “I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the atmosphere in France. The fans there are simply fantastic and know biathlon very well,” Preuss eagerly shared, reflecting the anticipation among athletes for the lively crowd support expected at Le Grand-Bornand.
The atmosphere surrounding the World Cup is not just felt by the athletes but resonates deeply with fans and local communities who have eagerly awaited this event. The joy of seeing top-tier biathlon action, coupled with the scenic beauty of Haute-Savoie, contributes to the festival-like ambiance unique to the Grand-Bornand stage of the World Cup.
Yet, not all is well within the teams. Ingrid Landmark Tandrevold, another prominent figure from Norway, confirmed her absence from the stage due to health issues, stating, “I’m very sad to announce...,” expressing disappointment at missing the chance to compete where she feels connected to the fans and her sponsors.
With everything set and the anticipation building, biathlon fans from around the globe are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling weekend filled with high-speed races, nail-biting excitement, and remarkable performances as athletes compete at the top of their game on the snow-dusted trails of Le Grand-Bornand.
This year’s stage of the Biathlon World Cup at Grand-Bornand promises not just competitive fervor but also showcases commitment toward environmental initiatives and community involvement, enhancing both the sport’s visibility and its sustainability. It’s more than just races; it’s about community, atmosphere, and the spirit of competition.
