Camille Bened And Isak Frey Shine At IBU Cup Finale

Otepää, Estonia was the centerpiece for biathlon enthusiasts as the IBU Cup season 2024/2025 drew to its thrilling conclusion from March 12 to March 15, 2025. At this much-anticipated final, Camille Bened from France emerged as the standout athlete, clinching the Total Score, which marked her as the most consistent biathlete of the season. Meanwhile, Norwegian Isak Frey also shone brightly, marking his name among the top athletes of the event.

Bened, who was initially filled with joy, faced unexpected physical challenges during the competition. "At first, I felt happiness and joy. Then my back started to seize," she shared, reflecting on her struggle after suffering from a nasty fall just days before the competitions began.

The final week included multiple races starting with women's and men's individual events, followed by sprint races, and culminating with mixed relay challenges. Bened’s determination enabled her to push through the pain, as she described feeling like "an elderly woman" on the day of the deciding competition.

Despite her struggles, Bened's performance was stellar, earning her the Total Score. "To win a Total Score means you were the most consistent among the best athletes over four months. That’s not easy at all," she emphasized, radiantly proud of her accomplishments, especially after overcoming injuries and illness threatening her career over the past couple of seasons.

Notably, Bened secured her fourth position overall, having expressed her aspirations earlier when she had observed Oceane Michelon holding the same trophy just last year. Her Total Score reached 1143 points, showcasing her dominance throughout the season.

Isak Frey noted the thrill of the competition, stating it was "a crazy good season, a great ride from the opening race in Idrefjall until here, Otepaa." Frey led the men’s Total Score with 1494 points, establishing his place firmly among the best with significant wins including the gold medal at the Individual discipline of the Open European Championships held at Martell-Val Martello.

Frey shared his surprise at achieving the Total Score, particularly realizing the margins by which he outperformed his closest competitor, Sivert Guttorm Bakken. Before the season’s end, Frey expressed disbelief, “I was surprised... I didn’t even know my point advantage was big enough.” This reflects the unexpected yet thrilling nature of competitive sports.

Final standings also revealed the top athletes across categories. Bened’s excellence was evident as she topped the Mass Start women’s category with 205 points and again excelled at Pursuit with 307 points. On the men's side, Frey was dominant across both individual and mass start events, showcasing his range as an athlete.

The relay results revealed the strength of both nations, with Norway and France leading the way. Norway triumphed over their rivals among men’s teams, whilst the French women’s team also showcased significant prowess, taking second place overall.

Both Bened and Frey will now look toward future competitions, including their ambitions for the upcoming Olympic Winter Games set for 2030 at the French Alps, particularly Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand. Bened's visions of gold echo her personal drive, as she remarked, "That win is my dream, to win at the Olympic Winter Games."

After their accolades, celebrations are on the horizon. Bened plans to share her success with family, stating, "I will celebrate with my family. My dad, mum, and sisters are always there for me, supporting me through thick and thin." While Frey, who considers himself more introverted, intends to unwind with family and friends on the golf course.

The 2024/2025 IBU Cup season finale not only marked the achievements of athletes like Bened and Frey but also showcased their resilience and determination to overcome hurdles. With the spirit of competition driving them, their journeys toward future Olympic glory are anticipated with great excitement.